Legal Misstep in Alabama Prison Lawsuit
Three private attorneys for Alabama’s prison system were taken off a federal lawsuit after it emerged that they submitted legal filings containing fabricated case law generated by CHATGPT.
In a pointed order issued on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco criticized attorneys Matthew Reeves, William Cranford, and William Lansford from the Butler Snow Law Firm for referencing what she described as “holograms” created by the AI tool.
“Simply put, the quote was entirely made up,” Judge Manasco stated.
The lawsuit originated from a prisoner at Donaldson Correctional Facility, who claimed he was repeatedly harmed due to insufficient safety measures at the prison. After opposing counsel flagged questionable citations back in May, Manasco took it upon herself to verify them, but found no records supporting those claims. She then demanded an explanation from her attorney.
In response, Lunsford indicated that the issue stemmed from Reeves using ChatGPT without verifying the information.
To summarize, lawyer Matt Reeves utilized ChatGPT to find case citations to support two arguments in the motion, without properly reviewing the material, which turned out to be inaccurate,” Lunsford explained.
He added, “This is unacceptable and embarrassing, and it does not reflect the high regard we have for the courts or the judicial process. We genuinely apologize to everyone involved.”
The judge’s ruling required all three attorneys to be dismissed from the case and to share her sanctions order with all clients, judges, opposing lawyers, and all attorneys involved in their Huntsville office. This decision will also be published in federal legal journals.
“Manufacturing legal authority is a serious offense that warrants substantial penalties,” Manasco remarked. “The court believes there should be significant accountability regarding these responsibilities and mild fines, especially as more courts encounter similar issues with AI misuse.”
She also suggested that the Alabama Department of Corrections keep her as their attorney.
“When clients, such as government agencies in Alabama, learn about their lawyer’s misconduct but keep them on board, that sends a troubling message,” she noted.
Reeves acknowledged his failure to verify the quote.
“I relied on the AI’s output without confirming that the citation was legitimate and relevant,” Reeves admitted. “I sincerely regret this oversight and the lapse in my judgment.”
Manasco also mentioned that Lansford attempted to sidestep an initial sanctions hearing.
“This isn’t merely about litigation, particularly for those with seasoned practices or leading a team,” she commented.
