Rules outlined for AI use in Jamaica's courts

Clear rules have been outlined for use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Jamaican courts, including the circumstances in which it can be used and sanctions for misuse.

The new guidelines were announced today by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, making Jamaica one of the first Caribbean countries to implement clear rules for AI use.

Sykes said the rules are designed to ensure that AI enhances justice delivery without undermining fairness, accuracy, or integrity.

The rules apply to the Supreme Court of Judicature of Jamaica, the Revenue Court, High Court and the Circuit Divisions of the Gun Court.

They set out how attorneys, litigants, and court staff may responsibly use Generative AI (GenAI) tools in preparing and managing court-related documents.

Key provisions of the Practice Direction include a prohibition on using AI to draft affidavits, witness statements, expert evidence, or fabricated case law; disclosure requirements, including a declaration of AI use and verification; and sanctions for misuse, including costs orders, contempt proceedings, or referral to the General Legal Council.

While acknowledging that there is a growing use of AI in the preparation of legal documents, the Chief Justice is calling for its responsible, secure and transparent use to ensure the integrity of the Judicial process is maintained.

He said, “Generative AI will enhance efficiency and streamline court operations, it will simplify the preparation of legal submissions, reduce clerical delays, ease the filing process, and support self-represented litigants. Court staff will also use AI to improve document management, case scheduling, and information retrieval — ensuring proceedings are faster, more accurate, and transparent.”

Among the directives issued by the Chief Justice is a caution to attorneys to thoroughly review documents done with the assistance of AI before submission to the court.

Chief Justice Sykes went further and indicated that, “court documents generated with the use of AI should not contain fabricated case law, misapplied authorities or hallucinations, which if present in documents may lead the court to refuse admission of those documents, cost orders against parties responsible for such errors or other appropriate sanctions."

He added, “For ordinary Jamaicans, these changes mean faster access to justice, clearer processes, and a system that works for everyone. With courts worldwide navigating the opportunities and risks of AI, Jamaica’s framework stands out for its clarity and balance. By encouraging innovation while guarding against abuse, the Judiciary has positioned the island as a regional leader in using technology to strengthen the rule of law."

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