This database tracks legal decisions1
I.e., all documents where the use of AI, whether established or merely alleged, is addressed in more than a passing reference by the court or tribunal.
Notably, this does not cover mere allegations of hallucinations, but only cases where the court or tribunal has explicitly found (or implied) that a party relied on hallucinated content or material.
As an exception, the database also covers some judicial decisions where AI use was alleged but not confirmed. This is a judgment call on my part.
in cases where generative AI produced hallucinated content – typically fake citations, but also other types of AI-generated arguments. It does not track the (necessarily wider) universe of all fake citations or use of AI in court filings.
While seeking to be exhaustive (7 cases identified so far), it is a work in progress and will expand as new examples emerge. This database has been featured in news media, and indeed in several decisions dealing with hallucinated material.2
Examples of media coverage include:
- M. Hiltzik, AI 'hallucinations' are a growing problem for the legal profession (LA Times, 22 May 2025)
- E. Volokh, "AI Hallucination Cases," from Courts All Over the World (Volokh Conspiracy, 18 May 2025)
- J-.M. Manach, "Il génère des plaidoiries par IA, et en recense 160 ayant « halluciné » depuis 2023" (Next, 1 July 2025)
- J. Koebler & J. Roscoe, "18 Lawyers Caught Using AI Explain Why They Did It (404 Media, 30 September 2025)
Based on this database, I have developped an automated reference checker that also detects hallucinations: PelAIkan. Check the Reports
in the database for examples, and reach out to me for a demo !
For weekly takes on cases like these, and what they mean for legal practice, subscribe to Artificial Authority.
| Case | Court / Jurisdiction | Date ▼ | Party Using AI | AI Tool ⓘ | Nature of Hallucination | Outcome / Sanction | Monetary Penalty | Details | Report(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In the Interest of W.G., Minor Child | CA Iowa (USA) | 1 April 2026 | Pro Se Litigant | Perplexity |
Fabricated
Case Law
(1)
Misrepresented
Case Law
(1)
|
— | — | ||
| Attorney Disciplinary Board v. Richard Louis Pazdernik, Jr. | Iowa Supreme Court (USA) | 31 October 2025 | Lawyer | ChatGPT |
Fabricated
Case Law
(1)
Misrepresented
Case Law
(1)
|
Public reprimand | — | — | |
| In the Interest of R.A. | CA Iowa (USA) | 1 October 2025 | Lawyer | Unidentified |
Fabricated
Case Law
(1)
False Quotes
Case Law
(1)
|
Brief struck; Monetary penalty OR two hours of AI-specific CLE; referral to Bar | 150 USD | — | |
| Turner v. Garrels | CA Iowa (USA) | 4 September 2025 | Pro Se Litigant | Implied |
Fabricated
Case Law
(1)
|
Warning | — | — | |
|
Source: Jesse Schaefer
|
|||||||||
| April Ann Nelson v. Navient Solutions, LLC, et al. | S.D. Iowa (USA) | 4 September 2025 | Pro Se Litigant | Implied |
Fabricated
Case Law
(3)
|
Warning | — | — | |
|
Source: Jesse Schaefer
|
|||||||||
| Luke v. Iowa DHHS | CA Iowa (USA) | 6 August 2025 | Pro Se Litigant | Implied |
Fabricated
Case Law
(1)
|
Warning | — | — | |
| in re: Turner | Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board (USA) | 9 July 2025 | Lawyer | Implied |
Fabricated
Case Law
(1)
|
Motion stricken | — | — | |