[Artificial Intelligence avatar. Photo Credit to Pixabay]

On May 30, 2025, the Arizona Supreme Court became the first judicial body in the United States to utilize Artificial Intelligence avatars as public speaking figures. 

When handling cases of arson and DUIs (driving under the influence) this month, the Arizona Supreme Court’s announcements weren’t handled by a judge or a spokesperson. 

Rather, Daniel and Victoria –two AI avatars– delivered the messages. 

According to an interview with NBC, Communications Director Alberto Rodriguez explained that “it’s just an efficient way for us to get the news out,” and “an opportunity for us to meet the public where they’re consuming their media.” 

This efficiency comes from the capabilities that AI technology has granted thus far. 

In the specific case of Daniel and Victoria, NBC reports that the production time for video news has decreased from six hours to mere minutes. 

The court is also motivated by its goals to improve communication, reach wider audiences on digital platforms, and make legal information and jargon more understandable for the general public. 

The information that these AI avatars convey is sourced directly from the Arizona Supreme Court and the justices themselves, ensuring accuracy and maintaining public trust in the process.

Human staff also work to review and finalize the information before distributing it to the AI avatars for public release, and safeguards have been placed to prevent any misuse or unauthorized replication. 

Artificial Intelligence has become more prevalent in legal practice over the years. 

According to the Colorado Technology Law Journal, AI is now widely used in legal tasks, procedures, and strategic planning. 

Legal tasks include document review (especially of large volumes), legal research, contract review, risk assessments, and summarization of legal principles, legislation, and case law.

The journal notes that AI-based algorithms are often used for identifying relevant cases, making these tasks far easier and more efficient to handle.

Legal procedures have also become more efficient, as the time spent on contracts, proposals, and replies can now be distributed to generative AI, giving attorneys more time for higher-level strategy. 

However, there are still some ethical considerations that should be addressed. 

The Arizona Supreme Court received heavy criticism from the legal community after its use of AI in the creation of the state’s February exam, NBC reported. 

The February exam consisted of questions relating to judicial knowledge, and used Artificial Intelligence in its development.

Many are also concerned with instances of AI “hallucinations” and overall unreliability, which would entail misinformation and misleading results generated by AI systems. 

These hallucinations would entail misinformation and misleading results in general from generative AI.

There are also arguments that human judgement may be potentially compromised.

Despite this criticism, the Arizona Supreme Court’s use of AI is cautious, as their AI is not generative, and there is a clear distinction between artificial and human decision-making. 

The establishment of the Arizona Steering Committee on Artificial Intelligence and the Courts has reinstated the initiative for ethical and efficient use of artificial intelligence in the judiciary system.

Though numerous ethical concerns persist, these limitations can be addressed. 

There are many potential benefits to using Artificial Intelligence in legal practices and court proceedings, such as achieving greater transparency with the public, increased public engagement, and more efficient communication, according to NBC.

While there is a long way to go to gain full public trust, it has become clear that AI is becoming increasingly integrated into public life, and will continue to do so in the future.