Lawyer fined just €420 for citing 48 fake AI-generated court rulings

Lawyer sanctioned for using AI that invented 48 fake court rulings

How much does blind trust in artificial intelligence cost? For one lawyer, 420 euros. That was the fine imposed by a court after discovering that, in an appeal, he cited as many as 48 fake rulings, all fabricated by an AI system he tasked with case-law research. The lawyer admitted his mistake: "I fully accept my lack of diligence. I trusted the citations were genuine and did not check them."

Why is the penalty so low?
The fine equals half the cost of an AI tool specifically designed for legal work, according to the ruling. Commentators point out that the problem is not using AI, but which one is used: a free or a paid version. The judge, who used a paid version, spotted the fabrications. The fine, described by some as "half an hour's salary", raises the question of whether it sets an example or is merely a slap on the wrist.

The risk of AI hallucinations
The case illustrates a well-known phenomenon: generative models "hallucinate" information that looks plausible. "AI 101: AI makes things up," as the saying goes. In a judicial context, where precision is vital, delegating without verification can prove costly not only financially, but also in credibility and case outcomes. The lesson: AI is an assistant, not an oracle; ultimate responsibility lies with humans.

The irony of the case is that the fine, being so ridiculous, seems like a joke. But the message is serious: if a lawyer loses a case for failing to check sources, the one who suffers will not be the AI.