ARTICLE · 30 JUNE 2025

The Risks & Benefits Of AI: A Defence Lawyer's Perspective

Wallace Smith LLP

Explore more from Wallace Smith LLP

The New York Times reported a story last year about a lawyer who used ChatGPT to do his legal research for a motion filed with the federal court.

CanadaTechnology

Published - SUMMER 2024 | The Litigator

The New York Times reported a story last year about a lawyer who used ChatGPT to do his legal research for a motion filed with the federal court. A problem arose when opposing counsel was unable to locate any of the decisions cited in the brief, and upon inquiry, the judge found that they were nonexistent. The lawyer ultimately "threw himself on the mercy of the court" and admitted that his research was from "a source that has revealed itself to be unreliable." At a subsequent hearing into his conduct, he admitted that "I did not comprehend that ChatGPT could fabricate cases." The lawyer was found to have acted in bad faith and was fined $5,000 by the judge. At the time of writing, it was not clear if a separate disciplinary process was initiated.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

Related Articles

AI Is Making Translation Faster. It’s Also Making It More Complex.

CanadaTechnology

How AI Is Changing The Economics Of Translation

CanadaTechnology

Your Chatbot Does Not Need Authority To Create An Obligation

CanadaTechnology

Jones Walker LLP

Le droit distillé, partie 2 – La rédaction législative assistée par l’IA et l’Alberta Whisky Act

CanadaTechnology

Fasken (French)

Distilled Law, Part 2: AI-Assisted Legislative Drafting And Alberta's Whisky Act

CanadaTechnology

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Technology
- New Technology

Related Comparative Guides

Comparative Guide

Fintech

Comparative Guide

Blockchain & Crypto Assets

Comparative Guide

Artificial Intelligence

See more popular content from

Technology

Bill C-26: New Cyber Security Obligations For Canadian Businesses Vital To National Security And Public Safety

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the extent to which the Canadian economy is reliant on digital connectivity. With a recent increase in remote-work options being offered...

CanadaTechnology

New Cybersecurity Regulations Coming Soon: What You Need To Know

On May 31, 2025, the Government of Alberta's Security Management for Critical Infrastructure Regulation (the Regulation), under the Responsible Energy Development Act (the Act), will come into force.

CanadaTechnology

Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP

AI Is Making Translation Faster. It’s Also Making It More Complex.

As AI translation becomes more capable, organizations have more choices to make. Which technology is right for the work? Where can AI deliver the speed and efficiency you need?

CanadaTechnology

Click, Breach, Repeat? Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call For Manitoba Municipalities

The recent Auditor General Report on Municipal Allegations and Gaps in Provincial Oversight released on August 28, 2025, emphasized that cybersecurity should not just be "on the radar" for municipalities...

CanadaTechnology

Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP

AI Governance: What Organizations Need To Know In 2026

Artificial intelligence has moved from pilot projects to core operations for many Canadian organizations.

CanadaTechnology

Canada’s 2026 AI Strategy: What Businesses Need To Know

Canada's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy marks a significant shift in federal AI policy, moving away from standalone legislation toward a comprehensive framework that emphasizes privacy reform, data sovereignty, and business adoption. The Strategy outlines six interconnected pillars designed to position Canada as a global AI leader while addressing regulatory gaps through existing legal frameworks and new policy tools.

CanadaTechnology

Aird & Berlis LLP

Can Statements By Client-Facing AI Chatbots Bind Their Owners? (Moffatt v. Air Canada)

More and more corporations are using client-facing Artificial Intelligence Chatbots to respond to client inquiries. Although these Chatbots can enhance customer service...

CanadaTechnology

Gardiner Roberts LLP

Managing The AI Risks In The Financial Sector: OSFI’s Bulletin On Generative And Agentic Artificial Intelligence

OSFI has issued new guidance for federally regulated financial institutions on the risks and governance of generative and agentic artificial intelligence. Published on July 13, 2026...

CanadaTechnology

McCarthy Tétrault

Moffatt v Air Canada: Bot Betrayal And Negligent Misrepresentation

For the most part, waiting to speak to a human customer service representative has become a thing of the past.

CanadaTechnology

Canada's AI Transparency Consultation: What Businesses Need To Know Before September 23

Canada's federal government is seeking public input on AI transparency measures that could introduce new disclosure obligations, incident reporting requirements, and tracking mechanisms for AI systems. Organizations have until September 23, 2026 to influence the regulatory framework before it takes shape through potential legislation, standards, or mandatory requirements.

CanadaTechnology