Quebec Courts Establish Guidelines for Generative AI Use Among Judges

In a recent decision, the courts of Quebec, including the Court of Appeal, Superior Court, Court of Quebec, and municipal courts, have established new guidelines regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence by judges. This move is intended to ensure that the judicial process remains firmly under human control and that the reasoning required in legal decisions cannot be delegated to AI systems. The emphasis of the guidelines is on the preservation of judicial integrity and the fundamental human elements of judging. Generative AI may still be utilized for certain supporting tasks, but its use as a replacement for human judgment is strictly prohibited. This initiative underscores the courts' commitment to maintaining the quality and credibility of judicial processes in an age where technology is rapidly advancing, ensuring that the core responsibilities of judges are not compromised.