How AI is clogging the courtroom

AI is fundamentally altering the legal landscape by lowering barriers for individuals to represent themselves in court, a practice known as "pro se" litigation. While tools like ChatGPT enable more people to file lawsuits, this surge in filings—particularly in "templateable" areas like housing and foreclosure—is straining already backlogged court systems. Research from USC and MIT indicates that despite the increased volume of documents, the success rate for pro se litigants remains negligible, with some even facing significant financial penalties for citing fabricated AI-generated cases. While some experts like NYU researcher Satish Nohri argue that this accessibility is a necessary step toward bridging the justice gap, the practical reality often results in poor legal outcomes and increased administrative burdens for courts. Ultimately, the reliance on AI for legal strategy without professional guidance frequently leads to disastrous results for litigants, including the loss of critical cases and custody rights.