AI in Court? A Judge’s Avatar Raises Eyebrows and Big Questions

What happens when a courtroom hears testimony… from an AI-generated avatar of a judge?

That’s exactly what played out in a Michigan civil case, as reported by Fortune. Retired judge Jerome Dewald, now physically limited by a neurodegenerative condition, used a custom-built AI avatar—with his voice, expressions, and legal opinions—to offer guidance in a civil dispute.

The moment was groundbreaking. It showed how AI might extend the presence and wisdom of experienced legal professionals. But it also raised a series of red flags:

⚠️ How do we ensure the avatar reflects the judge’s current views, not just past training data?

⚠️ Who is responsible if the avatar’s interpretation is challenged in court?

⚠️ What are the ethical and evidentiary rules for AI representations of human authority?

This is more than a tech demo. It’s a preview of a world where AI might not just assist legal proceedings—it might stand in for legal actors themselves. For product counsel, governance teams, and policy thinkers, this moment invites deeper reflection:

If we’re embedding AI into roles of authority, how do we maintain trust, accountability, and human oversight? The tools may be cutting-edge, but the questions are age-old.

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📖 https://fortune.com/2025/04/04/jerome-dewald-ai-avatar-court-judges/