AI In Litigation: Cautionary Tales From The Courts

Courts are increasingly experiencing AI, reflecting a growing trend and raising important questions about accuracy, ethics and professional conduct.

1) Irish Courts: "all the hallmarks" of an AI tool

In Reddan v an Bord Pleanála [2025] IEHC 172, the High Court (Court) refused a lay litigant's application for leave to apply for judicial review, emphasising that his allegations fell short of the 'substantial grounds' threshold required for leave applications.

The applicant had sought judicial review of An Bord Pleanála's decision to grant planning permission to Nenagh Golf Club. The Court commented on one particular element of the applicant's Statement of Grounds, where the applicant described a statement by an architect involved in the matter as "subordination to perjury". It was noted that this was not a legal phrase recognised in Irish jurisprudence but likely originated from Scottish or American law. When challenged on this issue, the applicant conceded