Federal Judge In Texas Warns Parties About Use Of AI, Rule 11

(May 13, 2025, 8:55 AM EDT) -- HOUSTON — A federal judge in Texas warned parties practicing in the court that appropriate sanctions will follow uses of artificial intelligence that violate Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11.

(In re: Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Court Filings, No. 2025-04, S.D. Texas)

(General order available.  Document #46-250604-010R.)

In the May 7 General Order 2025-04, Chief U.S. Judge Randy Crane of the Southern District of New York cautioned attorneys and self-represented parties about submitting filings created by AI without checking for accuracy.  Judge Crane noted that AIs can produce “factually or legally inaccurate content and should never replace the lawyer’s independent legal judgment.”

Any party signing a filing is subject to Rule 11, Fed. R. Civ. P. 11, regardless of whether AI was used to draft the filing, Judge Crane said.

Judge Crane noted that Rule 11 allows for appropriate sanctions, including nonmonetary and monetary penalties.