Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the practice of law, from legal research and document review to the preparation of pleadings and legal opinions. Recognizing both the opportunities and the risks presented by these technologies, the Supreme Court has adopted a governance framework to ensure that AI is used responsibly, ethically, and consistently with the administration of justice. The issuance provides important guidance not only for members of the Judiciary, but also for lawyers, litigants, and other court users who utilize AI in connection with judicial proceedings.
Through OCA Circular No. 47-2026 dated March 11, 2026, the Office of the Court Administrator disseminated the Supreme Court En Banc Resolution dated February 18, 2026 in A.M. No. 25-11-28-SC, adopting the Governance Framework on the Use of Human-Centered Augmented Intelligence in the Judiciary. The Circular is addressed to all first- and second-level courts and directs the implementation and observance of the Framework.
The Framework applies to members of the Judiciary, court officials and employees, court users, including members of the Bar, and vendors or third-party organizations that develop, deploy, or provide artificial intelligence systems for or on behalf of the Judiciary. It establishes principles and safeguards intended to guide the responsible adoption and use of artificial intelligence in judicial and legal processes.
Central to the Framework is the principle that artificial intelligence must remain human-centered. AI systems are intended to augment, rather than replace, human judgment. Human control must remain paramount, and AI must not supplant judicial reasoning, professional judgment, or discretion. Accordingly, AI cannot serve as the sole, primary, or determinative basis for an adjudicatory outcome, and legal reasoning and conclusions must remain independently formed by the human decision-maker.
The Framework promotes the responsible use of AI through principles that include respect for human rights, avoidance of harm, transparency, accountability, human oversight, data protection, risk management, security, continuous monitoring, and sustainability. It likewise recognizes the risks associated with inaccurate or misleading AI-generated information and emphasizes the need for AI-assisted outputs to be capable of being traced, reviewed, and verified.
The Framework also provides for disclosure of AI use in appropriate instances. At a minimum, the required disclosure must identify the AI tool and version used, the purpose and extent of its use, the level of human control and oversight exercised, and the preservation of the AI-generated output for possible inquiry or review. It must also confirm compliance with the Framework and acknowledge that ultimate responsibility for the resulting work remains with the human user.
For lawyers and other court users, the Framework means that the use of AI does not transfer or reduce professional responsibility. Lawyers remain accountable for the accuracy of factual statements, legal authorities, citations, arguments, and conclusions appearing in their submissions. Any AI-generated output should therefore be independently reviewed and verified before it is relied upon or submitted to a court.
Lawyers must likewise remain mindful of confidentiality, privilege, data protection, and intellectual property obligations when using AI platforms. Client information, court records, personal data, and other protected material should not be entered into an AI system without first considering the platform’s security safeguards, data retention practices, terms of use, and the legal authority for processing or disclosing the information.
Lawyers and organizations that regularly appear before the courts should view the Framework as a reminder that artificial intelligence is intended to enhance efficiency—not to replace professional competence, diligence, or independent judgment. As AI technologies continue to evolve, law firms, litigants, and organizations that participate in judicial proceedings should consider adopting internal AI governance policies to ensure that their use of these technologies remains consistent with the Supreme Court’s standards and applicable ethical obligations.
OCA Circular No. 47-2026 reflects the Supreme Court’s recognition that artificial intelligence may contribute to a more modern and efficient judicial system. At the same time, the Framework makes clear that technological efficiency must not come at the expense of judicial independence, fairness, accountability, confidentiality, and public trust. AI may assist the work of courts and lawyers, but responsibility for judicial and legal decision-making must always remain with human beings.
This guide provides a general overview of the above transactions at the time of writing only and is not intended to be a comprehensive legal advice. This should also not be taken as an opinion on the topic. For more details and information, you may coordinate with any GVES Law Partner regarding the matter.
Atty. Ludanielle N. Legarde is a Partner at GVES Law.