Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

California Attorney Fined $10K for Fake AI Citations

9/23/2025

50 9

Summary

Story summary

Amir Mostafavi, a California attorney, was fined $10,000 for a court appeal with 21 fake ChatGPT quotes.
The penalty is the largest AI-fabrication fine in California, prompting calls for tighter AI rules in law.
The court requires attorneys to verify all citations, regardless of AI help.
Experts foresee more AI-generated false citations; judges cite fake authority, and educators push verification.

1 of 1

Story summary

Amir Mostafavi, a California attorney, was fined $10,000 for a court appeal with 21 fake ChatGPT quotes.
The penalty is the largest AI-fabrication fine in California, prompting calls for tighter AI rules in law.
The court requires attorneys to verify all citations, regardless of AI help.
Experts foresee more AI-generated false citations; judges cite fake authority, and educators push verification.