Montreal – On September 5, 2026, Quebec’s courts released formal guidelines that prohibit the use of generative artificial intelligence as a substitute for a judge’s own reasoning. The document, issued by a Quebec judge, also notes that no secure AI tool has been approved for judicial use at this time.
The guidelines were prompted by concerns that a member of the judiciary may have employed generative AI to help draft a recent decision. While the investigation into that specific incident remains confidential, the court’s response emphasizes the need for human judgment to remain central to every ruling.
The announcement arrives amid a broader debate over the role of advanced language models in the legal profession. Law firms and courts across Canada have been evaluating the potential benefits and risks of AI‑driven research, document review, and drafting assistance. Quebec’s stance underscores a precautionary approach, insisting that any technological aid must not replace the analytical process that judges apply to the law and facts of a case.
The court’s statement also clarifies that, as of the date of the guidelines, no AI system meets the security and reliability standards required for courtroom application. Until such tools are vetted and formally authorized, judges are expected to rely solely on their own expertise and traditional research methods when preparing opinions and judgments.