Documents Generated by Artificial Intelligence

As most Justices are aware Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have become very prevalent and are accessible at low or no cost to anyone using the internet.

We are now seeing documents coming to our service desks which have been generated by individuals using AI tools. However frequently the document produced does not comply with  New Zealand law or court rules.

For Example just this week there have been two documents entitled “Affidavit” which finished with the client making a solemn declaration, that did not mention the Oaths & Declarations Act, presented to service desks.

When this occurs we suggest that a Justice asks the client the purpose of the document. Gently explain that if it is to be used in a New Zealand Court an affidavit is required.  If the document is to be used in other situations a statutory declaration is likely to be required.

We encourage all Justices to keep in their bags, blank copies of both a Statutory Declaration form and an Affidavit form. When a document that is neither, is presented, the Justice can then give the client the appropriate blank form and have the client re-write the true statements on the form.  Sometimes, where facilities are available, the typed true statements can be cut out with scissors, glued on to the form and then photocopied to produce a single sheet that can be sworn, affirmed or declared as required. 

Copies of the blank forms can be downloaded from JP Corner of our website (JP Corner/Resources/Forms)