Artificial Intelligence continues to transform industries, and the legal sector is no exception. Recent commentary by Paul Spain on Breakfast highlighted both the promise and pitfalls of AI-assisted legal writing.
Paul Spain underscored the very real risk of “plausible nonsense” emerging from AI systems, legal arguments or references that sound convincing but are, in fact, fabricated or inaccurate. This phenomenon, known as AI hallucination, isn’t just a technical hiccup: it has real-world consequences. When erroneous AI-generated content is introduced to legal proceedings, it wastes valuable court time and can even escalate costs for all involved.
For businesses, especially those without extensive in-house legal teams, the temptation to lean on free or low-cost online tools is understandable. Yet, as Paul Spain pointed out, the difference between a generic, publicly available AI and a purpose-built, reputable legal solution is significant. Relying solely on unverified AI outputs can clog our court systems further and jeopardise outcomes.
On the flip side, properly harnessed AI might revolutionise access to justice. Legal costs are notoriously high, something that many Kiwis, be they small business owners or private citizens, know all too well. Good AI tools, responsibly used, can help level the playing field. Paul Spain believes that this could lead to fairer outcomes, particularly for those previously unable to mount a robust legal defence against larger, better-funded opponents.
Despite advances in technology, the human touch remains critical. Paul warns against handing over full control of justice or decision-making to algorithms, highlighting the dangers of a “dystopian future” where the human element is lost entirely.
Practical Takeaways
– Verify AI Outputs: Always check AI-generated content before using it for business or legal matters.
– Invest in Quality Tools: Free isn’t always better—professional, industry-specific AI tools offer far greater accuracy.
– Keep Humans in the Loop: Let AI assist, but not replace, human judgement and expertise.
24 July 2026