Belize Judiciary Issues First-Ever AI Use Guidelines for Courts

The Honourable Chief Justice, Madam Louise Esther Blenman, has announced that the Rules Committee of the Senior Courts of Belize has issued Practice Direction No. 18 of 2025 on the Ethical Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Court Proceedings. The new directive, which took effect on August 12, 2025, is a first for Belize’s justice system.

The Practice Direction sets out formal guidance for the responsible and ethical use of AI by Judges, Magistrates, Registrars, Attorneys-at-Law, and all court users, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to modernization and technological innovation.

It outlines acceptable uses of AI in legal research, drafting, and court submissions, while stressing the importance of accuracy, confidentiality, and full disclosure. The directive makes clear that accountability for AI-generated content remains with the human user.