Jamaica becomes regional leader with new rules for AI use in courts

Jamaica has become one of the first Caribbean nations to establish formal rules governing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its judicial system. Chief Justice Bryan Sykes announced the new guidelines on Thursday, outlining how AI can be responsibly used in the country’s courts and the penalties for misuse.

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The comprehensive framework applies to the Supreme Court of Judicature of Jamaica, the Revenue Court, the High Court, and the Circuit Divisions of the Gun Court. It specifies when and how attorneys, litigants, and court staff may use Generative AI (GenAI) tools to prepare and manage court-related documents.

Chief Justice Sykes said the rules aim to ensure that AI enhances the efficiency of justice delivery without compromising fairness, accuracy, or integrity. “Generative AI will enhance efficiency and streamline court operations. It will simplify the preparation of legal submissions, reduce clerical delays, ease the filing process, and support self-represented litigants,” he said. “Court staff will also use AI to improve document management, case scheduling, and information retrieval — ensuring proceedings are faster, more accurate, and transparent.”

The Practice Direction on the Use of Artificial Intelligence prohibits the use of AI to draft affidavits, witness statements, expert evidence, or fabricated case law. It also introduces disclosure requirements, mandating that users declare and verify any AI-generated content. Violations could lead to costs orders, contempt proceedings, or referrals to the General Legal Council.

Chief Justice Sykes cautioned attorneys to carefully review any document prepared with AI assistance before submitting it to the court. “Court documents generated with the use of AI should not contain fabricated case law, misapplied authorities, or hallucinations,” he said. “If present, the court may refuse to admit such documents, impose cost orders, or apply other sanctions.”

He added that the reforms mark a major step toward modernizing Jamaica’s justice system. “For ordinary Jamaicans, these changes mean faster access to justice, clearer processes, and a system that works for everyone,” Sykes said. “With courts worldwide navigating the opportunities and risks of AI, Jamaica’s framework stands out for its clarity and balance.”

The new AI rules take effect immediately, signaling Jamaica’s commitment to innovation while safeguarding the integrity of its judicial process.