In a landmark move blending tradition with technology, the New York State Court System on Friday unveiled an Interim Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence, setting out the first comprehensive rules governing AI use by judges and court employees. The policy takes immediate effect and may evolve as the legal system continues to grapple with emerging technologies.
Announced by Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas, the policy stems from a special committee formed in April 2024 to study how artificial intelligence could reshape the Unified Court System (UCS).
“This interim policy represents a collective effort to communicate clearly about this fast-moving technology and to ease concerns over its application in the judiciary,” said Associate Justice Angela Iannacci, co-chair of the AI advisory committee.
Balancing Innovation and Integrity
The seven-page document outlines what kinds of AI tools may be used for court work, emphasizing both the potential and perils of artificial intelligence. It applies to all UCS judges, justices, and nonjudicial staff, covering every court-owned device and all UCS-related duties.
“AI can enhance efficiency and productivity,” Judge Zayas said in a Friday statement, “but it must be used with extreme care. It is not a substitute for human judgment, discretion, or decision-making.”
The policy mandates that only approved AI tools be used, requiring initial and ongoing training for all personnel with computer access. Any output generated by AI—such as draft documents or data summaries—must be thoroughly reviewed by a human to ensure accuracy, fairness, and inclusive language.
