The Ethical Implications of Paid Expert Witnesses Using AI to Calculate and Generate Evidence

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized numerous industries, including the legal system. However, when AI is misused, especially by paid expert witnesses, it raises significant ethical and moral questions. This article explores the ethical and moral implications of when an expert witness tampers with, generates or calculates evidence using AI, particularly when the integrity of legal proceedings is at stake.

What is AI Tampering in Legal Testimony?

AI tools like Microsoft’s Copilot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT could be used (and have been used in at least one case) to assist expert witnesses in generating reports and analysis. However, a recent case revealed troubling misuse of this technology when an expert witness exaggerated their qualifications and turned to AI to get the answer they needed, prompting a judge to confront the witness about faking expertise. This case, as reported by Ars Technica¹, underscores the potential dangers when AI could be used to deceive courts or alter testimony .

The Role of Expert Witnesses in Legal Proceedings

Expert witnesses are tasked with providing impartial, specialized knowledge to assist the court in understanding complex issues. Their testimony can significantly sway a case, making any tampering or exaggeration of expertise unethical. When AI-generated content is introduced without transparency, it undermines the witness’s credibility and jeopardizes the fairness of the trial.

Is It Ethical for Expert Witnesses to Use AI Without Disclosure?

When expert witnesses use AI to enhance their testimony without revealing it, they violate the principle of transparency. The justice system relies on clear, honest communication, and when AI influences evidence or testimony, all parties involved must be informed. Using AI without disclosure creates a power imbalance, where one side may gain an unfair advantage over the other.

How AI Misuse Undermines Legal Integrity

Misusing AI in legal proceedings compromises the trust that courts place in expert witnesses. The court system is built on justice and objectivity, and any tampering—whether through AI or otherwise—erodes these principles. By using AI to generate inflated qualifications or manipulate evidence, expert witnesses distort the facts, which can lead to unjust outcomes.

Transparency and Accountability: Who is Responsible?

A major concern when AI is involved in expert testimony is determining responsibility for inaccuracies or misrepresentations. Should the expert or the AI be held accountable for any errors? The lack of clear guidelines around AI use in courtrooms makes this a gray area, emphasizing the need for ethical standards to govern how AI should be used by legal professionals.

Potential Solutions for Ethical AI Use in Legal Testimony

Courts and legal professionals must establish clear ethical guidelines surrounding the use of AI in legal proceedings. Expert witnesses should disclose any AI involvement, and AI should only be used to complement, not inflate, the witness’s knowledge. With proper transparency and regulations, AI can be a valuable tool without compromising the integrity of the justice system.

The use of AI by expert witnesses presents ethical challenges that cannot be ignored. While AI can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of legal proceedings, its misuse, particularly when it involves tampering with evidence or misrepresenting qualifications, undermines the very principles of justice. As AI continues to evolve, courts must adopt stricter guidelines to ensure it is used ethically, transparently, and responsibly.

Call to Action

As AI becomes more prevalent in legal proceedings, staying informed about its ethical implications is crucial. Learn more about how AI is transforming the legal system and what it means for the future of justice in our other blog articles.

Source: 1 Ars Technica, “Judge confronts expert witness who used Copilot to fake expertise,” link to article .

Law Leaders Editor