AI-generated legal submissions increase court workload in Basel

What happened

The courts of Canton Basel-Stadt reported in their 2025 annual report that AI-generated legal submissions have increased their workload. According to Patrick Müller, president of the civil court, large law firms initially began using AI, but recently smaller disputes have seen substantially more written submissions despite low claim values.

The courts must examine every AI-generated argument and submission, regardless of length. Müller stated: 'We have to deal with all arguments anyway,' adding that this creates more work for the court.

Reported impact

Lay litigants who rely on AI to draft legal submissions often do not understand what they are submitting, according to court officials. The use of AI can become a cost trap for non-lawyers, as procedural actions have consequences and generate costs.

AI systems may reinforce parties' existing views and can suggest filing cases even when they are unlikely to succeed. Users ultimately remain responsible for their submissions.

Index analysis

The courts reported that they use AI only in limited ways, primarily for legal research. Meanwhile, AI is increasingly used by the parties themselves to draft submissions.

Governance controls

Stephan Wullschleger, president of the appellate court, stated that parties are free to submit legal filings in any form and that AI submissions cannot be banned. However, he cautioned that relying on AI as a lay litigant is dangerous.

Classification

Organization

Courts of Basel-Stadt (victim)

Category

Governance, accountability and labour

Industry

Government, security and defence

Country

Switzerland

Harm status

Actual harm

Intent

Unintentional

Timing

Unknown

Harm types

Economic or property, Other

Harmed

Consumers, Government

AI systems

AI legal tools

Sources and evidence