Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Courts Pilot AI Tool to Assist Judges
3/19/2026, 9:08:59 AM
Introduction to AI Integration in Judicial Processes
Los Angeles County has initiated a pilot program allowing judges to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in drafting rulings in civil court. The program, which began last month, provides six civil court judges access to a software called Learned Hand. This tool is designed to streamline the judicial process by distilling extensive legal motions and mimicking a judge's writing style to generate tentative rulings. Court officials assert that judges must review and edit any AI-generated drafts before finalizing decisions, emphasizing that the technology is intended to support, not replace, judicial decision-making.
Concerns from Legal Experts
While some legal professionals recognize the potential benefits of AI in reducing the time judges spend on repetitive tasks, others express significant concerns. Nathan Hochman, a legal expert, acknowledges that AI could expedite processes like assessing motions for summary judgment but labels the generation of rulings by AI as “problematic.” He warns that AI-generated tentative rulings could unduly influence judges' decisions before they conduct their own analyses. An anonymous judge echoed this sentiment, suggesting that even if judges do not adopt the AI's recommendations, the initial AI input could serve as a psychological reference point, potentially biasing their final decisions.
The Technology Behind Learned Hand
Shlomo Klapper, the founder of Learned Hand, describes the AI tool as a supportive “judicial sous chef” rather than a replacement for judges. He emphasizes that the software includes a fact-checking feature called “Deep Verify,” which ensures that generated content aligns with established case law. Klapper argues that the judiciary is overwhelmed by a “paper blizzard,” exacerbated by an increase in self-represented litigants due to public access to AI models like ChatGPT. He asserts that the tool is necessary for courts to manage their growing caseloads effectively.
Public Perception and Legal Precedents
Despite the concerns raised, a Reuters survey indicates that over 70% of respondents view AI as a beneficial force in the legal field, capable of significantly reducing the workload associated with tedious tasks. However, incidents involving AI errors in legal contexts have heightened public anxiety. For instance, a Los Angeles attorney faced penalties for submitting a filing with fabricated legal citations generated by ChatGPT. Klapper reassures that Learned Hand has safeguards to prevent such issues.
Future of AI in the Judicial System
The pilot program is set to continue into early 2027 at a cost of approximately $300,000, focusing primarily on civil court motions, including motions for summary judgment and class-action settlements. While there are discussions about potential future applications in criminal courts, the current implementation is limited to civil cases. David Slayton, the chief executive of the L.A. County Superior Court, noted that while judges are encouraged to disclose their use of AI in decision-making, there is no existing mandate requiring such transparency.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Judicial officers have long been supported by research attorneys and law clerks who assist with summarization, legal research, analysis and drafting assistance,” — Rob Oftring Jr., Chief Spokesman, L.A. County Courts
- “Even if you don’t necessarily adopt the AI’s tentative decision, psychologically that has become your reference point and any decision-making engaged in thereafter could be predicated on it,” — Anonymous L.A. County Judge
- “There is no reason to fear that any technology company on earth, much less my own, should be making consequential decisions for the public,” — Shlomo Klapper, Founder of Learned Hand
