# ChatGPT-using lawyer punished for citing fake testimony from invented witnesses

https://mins.news/en/item/55208

- Ars Technica, 2026-09-11 19:34 UTC
- Tech
- Original: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/09/chatgpt-using-lawyer-punished-for-citing-fake-testimony-from-made-up-witnesses/

> The New Mexico Supreme Court held attorney Stephen Aarons in direct contempt after he filed an appeal brief containing false testimony attributed to wholly fabricated witnesses, including fake police testimony. The court referred him to a disciplinary board and said he showed little remorse or concern for his client. Aarons admitted he failed to verify the AI-generated brief’s factual claims and legal citations before filing it or to tell his client about the errors.

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