Evidence,
Ethics/Professional Responsibility
Feb. 4, 2026
AI-generated evidence in California courts: Authentication, hearsay and professional competence
See more on AI-generated evidence in California courts: Authentication, hearsay and professional competence
In May 2025, an Arizona judge permitted what appears to be the first AI-generated victim impact statement in American legal history. Christopher Pelkey, murdered three years earlier in a road rage incident, "spoke" to the court through an AI recreation of his face and voice. Judge Todd Lang praised the presentation, stating "I loved that AI," and sentenced defendant Gabriel Horcasitas to 10.5 years for manslaughter--18 months beyond the prosecution's request. Defense counse...
To continue reading, please subscribe.
For only $95 a month (the price of 2 article purchases)
Receive unlimited article access and full access to our archives,
Daily Appellate Report, award winning columns, and our
Verdicts and Settlements.
Or
$895, but save $100 when you subscribe today… Just $795 for the first year!
For only $95 a month (the price of 2 article purchases)
Receive unlimited article access and full access to our archives,
Daily Appellate Report, award winning columns, and our
Verdicts and Settlements.
Or
$895, but save $100 when you subscribe today… Just $795 for the first year!
Or access this article for $45
(Purchase provides 7-day access to this article. Printing, posting or downloading is not allowed.)
Already a subscriber?
Sign In