OKLA.Court order
Oklahoma judge used ChatGPT in order citing nonexistent cases
Stephens County Associate District Judge Lawrence Wheeler told an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agent he used ChatGPT while preparing a 2025 paternity order that cited two nonexistent cases, according to an August 17 letter from District Attorney Jason Hicks. The OSBI investigated at the request of the Council on Judicial Complaints. The attorney general's office declined to prosecute, saying the Oklahoma Supreme Court and Court on the Judiciary retain discipline authority.
Order (Reuters) → · Minnesota Lawyer, Virginia Lawyers Weekly
Key points
- Wheeler told OSBI he used ChatGPT for research and that at least two resulting case citations do not exist.ReutersMinnesota LawyerVirginia Lawyers Weekly
- The challenged authorities were Cummings v. Cimarron Elevator Co. and Hawkins v. Linhart.Minnesota LawyerVirginia Lawyers Weekly
- Wheeler vacated the order; he is no longer assigned to the paternity case.Minnesota LawyerVirginia Lawyers Weekly
- Attorney General Gentner Drummond's office said the evidence does not support criminal prosecution.ReutersMinnesota Lawyer
- OSBI also examined eavesdropping and alleged offer-to-amend claims in the DA's Aug. 17 letter.ReutersMinnesota Lawyer
- The Oklahoman first reported the district attorney's letter; the Council on Judicial Complaints will not confirm investigations.ReutersMinnesota LawyerVirginia Lawyers Weekly