The Judicial Council of California convened on July 18, 2025, to discuss the adoption of a new rule and standard regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in court-related work. This initiative, led by Administrative Presiding Justice Hill and the Chief Justice's Artificial Intelligence Task Force, aims to establish guidelines that balance innovation with the ethical responsibilities of the judicial system.

Justice Hill presented the task force's recommendation for a rule of court and a standard of judicial administration that addresses generative AI's risks without outright prohibiting its use. The proposal, which has undergone public comment and revision, is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, if approved. The task force received 19 public comments, which were carefully considered and many of which were incorporated into the final recommendations.

The proposed rule emphasizes that courts are best positioned to determine acceptable uses of generative AI, allowing for flexibility in implementation. It requires courts that permit the use of generative AI to adopt a use policy by December 15, 2025, ensuring that confidentiality, supervision, accountability, bias prevention, and transparency are prioritized. Notably, the rule prohibits the submission of confidential information to generative AI systems not controlled by the court and mandates that users verify the accuracy of AI-generated content.

The task force also highlighted the importance of transparency, requiring that any generative AI use in public-facing work be disclosed clearly. This includes labeling or watermarking AI-generated content to inform the public when they are interacting with AI rather than a human.

In addition to the rule, a standard was proposed for judicial officers using generative AI in adjudicative roles, focusing on similar ethical considerations. The task force plans to continue monitoring the evolving landscape of AI technology and its implications for the judicial process, including potential future guidance on copyright issues related to generative AI.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commitment of the Judicial Council to responsibly integrate generative AI into court operations while maintaining the integrity and trust of the judicial system. The ongoing work of the task force aims to refine these guidelines as technology advances and its applications within the courts become clearer.