AI program slammed for practicing law without a license

While artificial intelligence programs offering legal advice aren't exactly anything new, as Wired's 27B Stroke 6 reports, it looks like we've now seen the first case of one running into trouble with the law for doing so. The over-eager AI in question was offering its services to entrepreneur Henry Ihejirika, who put the program to use on two of his websites, offering bankruptcy assistance to clients without the hassle of a face-to-face meeting. Things were apparently going swimmingly until a bankruptcy trustee noticed errors in some of the forms that were submitted by a client of the site, which led them to investigate the situation, ultimately resulting in Iherjirka heading to court to explain himself. After reviewing the case, a bankruptcy judge ruled that the software went far beyond simply providing clerical services and was, in effect, practicing law without a license. That meant Ihejirka had to pull the plug on the system, as well as pay fines and return all fees he had collected from clients. While the AI could not be reached for comment, it'll no doubt find plenty of work on the inside, helping out prison guards with their taxes.

[Via Boing Boing]

[akintz @ Mar 7th 2007 3:30PM]

I hope the AI doesn't go off and kill itself now... you might have to pull this story.

[kuzu-b @ Mar 7th 2007 3:40PM]

I for one, welcome our Artificial Intelligence overlords.

[steve @ Mar 7th 2007 3:51PM]

... Tax assistance was done in exchange for preferential treatment and permission to put up a Rita Hayworth poster.

The AI was described to be very quiet and enjoyed walking around the yard during exercise time. For some reason it was always very dusty afterwards.

[Vexorg @ Mar 7th 2007 3:58PM]

Version 2.0 should come out soon, and will automatically embezzle from its employers.

[Scooter @ Mar 7th 2007 4:11PM]

Allen Iverson is always in trouble. We're talking about practice man... practice...

Scooter
http://www.gadgetgrid.com/

[Jeffrey Schrab @ Mar 7th 2007 4:19PM]

But on to more important matters! It's 2007! Where's my Max Headroom: 20 Minutes Into The Future complete series run DVD box set?!?! :D

[BD @ Mar 7th 2007 7:26PM]

Tomorrow's top headlines: Robot surgeon sued for malpractice over scalpel left in patient after surgery.

[Grant @ Mar 7th 2007 8:59PM]

Quoted for the source:
"Ihejirika had a human lawyer for his defense."
lol. ZING!

[Mickey Jones @ Mar 7th 2007 11:25PM]

Max Headroom was not a la-la-la-lawyer.

[Mickey Jones @ Mar 7th 2007 11:55PM]

Anyone remember ol' Max? He used to shill for Coke.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2icWcvRTvRo

[rektide @ Mar 8th 2007 1:21AM]

ROBOTS ARE PEOPLE TOO!

(so get your ass in college robosapien and get that degree. just like every other punk.)

[LS @ Mar 8th 2007 8:37AM]

i've only just noticed how much max headroom looks like red dwarf's kryton


just with a better 'do