Discussion with ChatGPT Regarding AI in Legal Research and Writing

There must be some middle ground between letting AI write a brief for you and banning all use of it. I asked ChatGPT about it.

Hasn’t AI been used online and with apps for years now?

Yes, that's correct! AI has been used online and with apps for many years now. It has become an integral part of various online platforms and applications, offering a wide range of functionalities such as natural language processing, recommendation systems, image recognition, and more. AI technology continues to advance, enabling more sophisticated and useful applications in the digital world.

What about with legal research search engines such as Westlaw and Lexis?

Yes, AI has also been integrated into legal research search engines like Westlaw and LexisNexis. These platforms have leveraged AI technologies to enhance their search capabilities, making it easier for legal professionals to find relevant case law, statutes, regulations, and other legal materials. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of legal data, improve search accuracy, and provide more efficient results, saving time and effort for legal researchers and practitioners. This integration has been particularly valuable in the legal field, where access to precise and up-to-date information is crucial for legal research and analysis.

Do you know some judges have banned use of AI?

Wouldn’t that rule out most kinds of legal research? As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, I am not aware of any widespread bans on the use of AI in legal research. However, it is possible that some individual judges or jurisdictions may have raised concerns or implemented restrictions on the use of AI in specific legal contexts.

The use of AI in legal research is generally aimed at improving efficiency and accuracy, not replacing the role of human legal professionals. AI technologies can assist lawyers and legal researchers by quickly sifting through vast amounts of information and providing relevant results. It's essential to strike a balance between utilizing AI tools and relying on human expertise to ensure the best possible outcomes in legal proceedings.


If there have been developments or changes in regulations regarding AI usage in legal research beyond my knowledge cutoff, I would recommend checking the latest legal news and official sources for the most up-to-date information.

Note: a June 2023 article says Judge Brantley Starr (any relation to Jeb) of N.D. Tex.banned ChatGPT assisted briefs and said it “hallucinated.” LOL. He made lawyers sign a pledge they didn’t use it. Absurd.

How long has AI been used in the major legal databases?

The integration of AI in major legal databases has been a gradual process over the past decade or so. While the specific timelines and implementation details may vary across different platforms, AI technologies started to make their way into legal databases around the mid-2010s.

Initially, AI was used for improving search algorithms, natural language processing, and data analysis to provide more accurate and relevant search results for legal professionals. As AI capabilities continued to evolve and improve, it became more prevalent in various legal research tools and platforms.

By leveraging machine learning and natural language processing techniques, legal databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis have been able to enhance their search capabilities, assist with legal research, and streamline the discovery of pertinent legal information.

It's important to note that the integration and development of AI in legal databases are ongoing processes, with continuous improvements and updates being made to adapt to the evolving needs of the legal community.