Judges Halt AI-Generated Lawyer in New York Appeals Court In a moment that felt plucked straight from a sci-fi courtroom drama, a New York appeals court was taken by surprise when an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated avatar tried to argue a legal case. The judges weren’t amused. What was meant to be a clever workaround quickly turned into an uncomfortable intersection of future tech and age-old court protocol. On March 26, 2025, 74-year-old plaintiff Jerome Dewald showed up at the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division for an employment dispute hearing. Instead of speaking for himself or having a lawyer at his side, Dewald played a prerecorded video, not of him, but of a lifelike digital avatar that began delivering his legal argument with polished confidence. The avatar, which looked like a well- dressed young man, began addressing the panel: “May it please the court …” before proceedings came to a halt. The justices were visibly taken aback. Justice Sallie Manzanet-Daniels paused the presentation almost immediately and asked a shocking question: “Is that counsel for the case?” Dewald’s matter-of-fact reply, “I generated that. That’s not a real person,” prompted an immediate rebuke. The judge ordered the video stopped and ‘That’s Not a Real Person’
made it clear she felt misled. “It would have been nice to know that when you made your application,” she said, underlining that courts operate on transparency and direct human responsibility. Dewald later explained he wasn’t trying to game the system or make a viral spectacle. He said he struggles with public speaking and thought a digital delivery might help him make his case more clearly. But judges made it clear that AI, at least for now, isn’t a substitute for a licensed attorney arguing in real time, nor a replacement for the human interaction that law depends on. The incident sparked an online debate, ranging from amusement at the oddly comic visuals to serious questions about where the legal system draws the line between innovation and impropriety. One thing is certain: This awkward debut points to the urgent need for clear rules on AI in courtrooms as technology continues its relentless march forward.
Innocent Hearts, Household Hardship
Keys to a Conflict-Free Divorce for Kids
According to the National Institutes of Health, divorce affects the mental health of more than 1 million children in the U.S. every year. While a separation between parents is often stressful for everyone in the home, children are highly susceptible to experiencing depression, anger, and other negative emotions during this time. Fortunately, there are ways to help children maintain a healthier, more positive outlook when their parents’ relationship changes. Here are a few things to consider when the end of your marriage signals a new dynamic for your children. CONFRONT CONFLICT CALMLY. When divorce occurs, it’s understandable for either spouse to feel as though they’ve failed as parents by splitting up the family unit. However, some divorces may present opportunities to affect your children more positively than you may have thought possible. For example, if your divorce is amicable, you and your former spouse can conduct yourselves around your children in ways that demonstrate the value of resolving conflicts in a healthy, positive manner. If your kids see you getting along, it serves as a stronger example than teaching them that issues are resolved only through raised tempers and open disrespect. If handled tactfully around your children, a divorce can help
them appreciate conflict resolution and see the value in finding mutual understanding despite growing differences. And if your divorce carries
emotions that could devolve into open hostility, it’s always best to reserve it for when you and your spouse are alone. SAVE YOUR HOME FROM HARM.
Naturally, not all divorces unfold so harmoniously, but separating your children from an emotionally abusive or physically violent situation (especially if they’re victims and not only witnesses) is the best thing you can do for them as a parent. Studies show that divorces in high-conflict homes can have a considerable positive effect on a child’s physical and mental well-being, including a lower rate of child abuse claims. In extreme situations where physical or psychological abuse is a staple of a marriage, staying together for the kids can ultimately do more harm than good.
2 — rbbfirm.com
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