Montreal, Quebec – On September 5, 2026, the Quebec courts announced that generative artificial intelligence cannot serve as a substitute for the reasoning performed by judges. The statement also noted that no approved, secure AI tool is currently available for judicial use. The clarification follows concerns that a Quebec judge may have employed generative AI to draft a court decision.
The courts’ declaration came after questions emerged in recent months about the possible use of AI by a judge in the province. Those questions prompted the judiciary to issue guidelines addressing the role of AI in legal reasoning. The new guidance emphasizes that any assistance provided by technology must not replace the independent analysis and judgment of a judge.
According to the courts, the lack of a vetted and secure AI system means that judges do not have access to a tool that meets the standards required for confidential and accurate legal work. The ruling underscores the importance of preserving the integrity of judicial decisions by ensuring that reasoning remains the product of human deliberation rather than algorithmic output.
While the courts did not identify a specific case or judge, the statement reflects ongoing scrutiny of emerging technologies within the legal system. The judiciary’s position aligns with broader discussions about the ethical and practical limits of AI in professional settings, particularly where confidentiality and accountability are paramount.
The announcement serves as a reminder to legal practitioners in Quebec that, despite advances in AI capabilities, the current framework does not permit the substitution of judicial reasoning with generative AI. The courts indicated that any future adoption of AI tools would require thorough vetting, security assurances, and clear regulatory guidelines before being considered for use in judicial processes.