Registrar's Circular No. 9 of 2024: Issue of the Guide on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools by Court Users
REGISTRAR’S CIRCULAR NO. 9 OF 2024 ISSUE OF THE GUIDE ON THE USE OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS BY COURT USERS
This registrar's circular sets out the guidance and general principles for court users regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence tools in proceedings across Singapore courts. It establishes that court users, including lawyers and self-represented persons, assume full responsibility for any AI-generated content in court documents and must ensure accuracy, relevance, and compliance with existing laws. The document also warns against risks such as hallucinations and unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, outlining potential consequences for non-compliance.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
This guide is for all court users, including lawyers, prosecutors, and self-represented litigants involved in Singapore court proceedings.
What the document contains
The document addresses the application, definitions, general principles, and rules for using generative artificial intelligence tools when preparing court documents. It covers verification requirements, intellectual property considerations, confidentiality, and potential penalties for non-compliance.
The text does not contain specific technical standards for AI software development or licensing requirements for AI vendors.
- Court users are fully responsible for all content submitted in court documents, including any AI-generated material.
- Generative AI tools must not be used to generate, fabricate, or tamper with evidence relied upon in court.
- Users must independently fact-check, proofread, and verify all AI-generated references against reliable sources.
- Pre-emptive declaration of AI usage is not required unless specifically asked by the court.
- Failure to comply with the guide may result in cost orders, disciplinary action, or documents being disregarded.
1. Application 2. Definitions 3. General principles 4. General information 5. Use of Generative AI tools
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
4/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
As a Court User, you are fully responsible for the content in all your Court Documents.
5. Use of Generative AI tools (1)
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
0/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
0/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
4/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
Fact-check and proof-read any AI-generated content that you use. (b) Edit and adapt AI-generated content to suit your situation.
5. Use of Generative AI tools (3)(a)-(b)
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
4/5Protection of personal data and private life
You should ensure that there is no unauthorised disclosure of confidential or sensitive information when you use Generative AI tools. All information you provide to Generative AI chatbots may potentially be disclosed publicly.
5. Use of Generative AI tools (6)
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
4/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
You must be prepared to identify the specific portions of the Court Documents which used AI-generated content, and explain to the Court how you have verified the output produced by a Generative AI tool.
5. Use of Generative AI tools (4)
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
4/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
If you do not follow what is stated in this Guide, the Court may, amongst other things: (a) Order costs against you.
5. Failure to comply with this Guide (9)
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
4/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
If you choose to use Generative AI tools to help you to prepare Court Documents, you should assess whether the output produced by the Generative AI tool is suitable to be used in your specific case.
5. Use of Generative AI tools (1)(a)
screening score · 2026-10-23