In a landmark move for Belize’s judicial system, the Honourable Chief Justice, Madam Louise Esther Blenman, has unveiled Practice Direction No. 18 of 2025, focusing on the Ethical Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Court Proceedings. Effective as of August 12, 2025, this directive marks the first of its kind in the nation, setting a precedent for the integration of technology within legal frameworks. The Practice Direction provides comprehensive guidelines for Judges, Magistrates, Registrars, Attorneys-at-Law, and all court participants, emphasizing responsible and ethical AI utilization. It delineates permissible applications of AI in legal research, document drafting, and court submissions, while underscoring the critical importance of maintaining accuracy, safeguarding confidentiality, and ensuring full transparency. Notably, the directive reaffirms that human users retain ultimate accountability for any AI-generated content, reinforcing the judiciary’s dedication to modernization and innovation.
