- A man used an AI-generated avatar in a New York court without disclosing it.
- Judges reacted negatively due to lack of transparency.
- The incident raises questions about ethics and tech in legal proceedings.
In March 2025, Jerome Dewald made headlines when he appeared before the New York State Supreme Court using a digital AI avatar instead of attending in person.
However, the court was blindsided. Judges were not told in advance about the use of the avatar, which led to concern over potential deception.
Man’s AI Avatar Appearance in Court Prompts Legal Alarm
Jerome Dewald’s decision to let an AI avatar represent him virtually during a court hearing has raised new and complex legal challenges. This wasn’t just a case of using tech in court. It was a first-of-its-kind instance of an artificial entity speaking on a litigant’s behalf in real time.
The judges were caught off guard, which became a key issue. Courtroom decorum and rules rely heavily on clear identification of all parties present. Dewald’s failure to notify the court disrupted that understanding and introduced ethical concerns around transparency.
While some legal experts see potential in AI aiding litigants—especially those representing themselves. This case also shows the importance of having clear guidelines. Without them, even well-meaning innovations can appear deceptive or inappropriate.
This case could set the stage for significant changes in courtroom technology policies. Whether it’s banning synthetic avatars or building frameworks for their approved use, courts now face pressure to adapt faster than ever to emerging digital realities.
Jerome Dewald’s AI experiment may not have gone as planned, but it has already triggered a much-needed debate on the role of artificial intelligence in the courtroom.
“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.” — Christian Lous Lange
