AI-Generated Fake Legal Citations Raise Global Judicial Integrity Concerns

The legal profession is increasingly grappling with the challenges posed by generative artificial intelligence (AI), particularly the phenomenon known as AI "hallucinations," where AI tools produce fabricated or misleading case law that appears authentic. Courts in the U.S., England, and China have encountered lawyers and even judges submitting AI-generated, fictitious citations, prompting formal reprimands and sanctions, as well as withdrawals of rulings. These incidents underscore a critical need for legal professionals to verify AI-generated content rigorously, as reliance on unverified AI outputs risks undermining judicial integrity and could lead to professional consequences. Experts highlight that current AI tools often draw from uncurated internet data without editorial oversight or reliable citation controls, resulting in high error rates—sometimes as high as 58% to 88% for legal queries. The widespread presence of these errors has led to calls for mandatory training on responsible AI use in legal practice to prevent the submission of false evidence and maintain trust in the justice system. Cases documented across various jurisdictions reveal that both untrained litigants and experienced lawyers have submitted fabricated cases, signaling a systemic issue that demands urgent attention.