Associate Attorney
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday life—including in the legal world. But a recent decision out of Florida’s Sixth District Court of Appeal makes one thing very clear: using AI is not an excuse for getting the law wrong.
In Hessert v. Hessert (6th DCA 2026), the court denied a petition for certiorari—but it didn’t stop there. Instead, the court issued a show cause order to the filer, raising serious concerns about the accuracy of the legal authorities cited in the petition.
What was the problem?
The court found that:
Several cited cases did not exist at all. Moreover, others were cited for legal propositions they did not actually support. In total, out of thirteen cases cited, only a small portion were both real and accurately used.
The court strongly suggested that the filing bore the hallmarks of being generated with the assistance of AI, without proper review.
The takeaway from this decision is straightforward: courts expect accuracy—no matter how a document is created.
Even though the filer in this case was representing herself, the court made clear that these rules apply to everyone. Before submitting anything to a court, you must:
- Confirm that the cases you cite actually exist, and
- Ensure they say what you claim they say
Failing to do so isn’t just a mistake—it can lead to sanctions.
The Sixth District ordered the filer to explain why she should not be sanctioned for her mistakes, signaling a willingness to vigorously enforce these standards.
You may be hearing more about AI tools being used in legal work—and they can be helpful. But this case is a reminder that there is no substitute for careful legal review. Courts rely on litigants to provide accurate information. When that trust is broken—whether intentionally or not—it can have serious consequences, including:
- Delays in your case
- Increased legal costs
- Potential sanctions or penalties
The Bottom Line
AI can be a useful tool, but it is not a shortcut. Florida courts—especially the Sixth District—are making it clear that they will not tolerate filings that rely on fake or inaccurate legal authority, and they are prepared to impose sanctions when it happens. The key takeaway is simple: make sure you or your legal team is diligent and accurate in analysis especially when artificial intelligence tools are deployed.
THIS BLOG IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. THE READER SHOULD CONSULT WITH KNOWLEDGEABLE LEGAL COUNSEL TO DETERMINE HOW APPLICABLE LAWS APPLY TO SPECIFIC FACTS AND SITUATIONS.