DoNotPay’s ‘first robot lawyer’ to take on speeding tickets in court via AI

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have allowed bots to translate text, create art and even write essays.

Now, they’re ready to argue for you in court.

Startup DoNotPay, which bills itself as “the world’s first robot lawyer,” plans to take on two speeding ticket cases in court next month, with its AI instructing the defendants how to respond to their assigned judges.

“The law is almost like code and language combined, so it’s the perfect use case for AI,” CEO and founder Joshua Browder told U.S. TODAY. “I think that this is the biggest potential for GPT and large language model technology.”

How does DoNotPay work?

First reported in New Scientist, DoNotPay’s plan is to have the defendants wear an earpiece with Bluetooth connectivity in the courtroom, likely an AirPod or hearing device, with the AI whispering instructions on what to say in the defendants’ ears.

One defendant will argue their case in person, the other on Zoom. DoNotPay is also considering taking on a third case over an eviction.

This will be the first time AI is used in court, according to Browder. DoNotPay is keeping the exact dates and locations of the hearings under wraps in case state bars try to intervene.

Browder hopes the experiment loosens courtroom rules against the use of AI in court, which he believes hurt low-income individuals since roughly 80% cannot afford legal assistance, according to the American Bar Association.

“AI technology is so powerful. People deserve to use that to help themselves,” Browder told U.S. TODAY.

What is DoNotPay?

DoNotPay, which has been operating since 2015, has released templates that help people appeal parking tickets or request refunds from airlines. It has also created a bot that can negotiate bills with companies like Comcast using GPT technology.

What are the risks to an AI lawyer?

Browder acknowledges that there are risks to being the first to rely on AI in court, but DoNotPay has agreed to cover any fines and the defendants will be compensated for taking part in the experiment.

DoNotPay has also taken steps to avoid issues with its AI exaggerating facts or being “too polite” and responding to everything the judge says—including rhetorical statements.

While the AI’s initial court cases are set for February, there may be more to come. Browder said on Twitter that DoNotPay would pay anyone with an upcoming case in the U.S. Supreme Court $1 million to wear AirPods and let its robot lawyer argue the case.

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