The Snitch: Magistrate busts teen who used AI to write apology

A law student who found himself on the wrong side of the bench was busted writing an apology using AI, and one of Sydney’s most famous lawyers puts pen to paper in a new book. The Snitch is here.

A Sydney court punter admitted using artificial intelligence to help write an apology letter he read out to a magistrate after being charged with knife possession. Picture: Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP

Much has been made in recent years of the rise of artificial intelligence and its practical use in the legal industry – so much so it prompted Chief Justice Andrew Bell to recently issue formal guidelines around its use in the state’s courtrooms.

But it’s pretty fair to assume those words of wisdom haven’t filtered down to the average court punter quite yet, which made for an amusing exchange in Campbelltown this week involving a young man facing sentencing before Magistrate Peter Thompson for carrying a knife in public.

Snitch’s correspondent reports the offender, who was self-represented, read a letter out to the court in which he waxed lyrical about why he committed the offence and expressed his most humble apologies.

He even revealed he was studying business and law at university.

Chief Justice Andrew Bell has sent out guidelines for the use of AI in courtrooms. Picture: Damian Shaw

But something about the decidedly eloquent wording appeared off to Magistrate Thompson, who quickly cottoned on to what he was hearing.

“Did you use AI for your letter?” the seasoned judicial officer asked.

Oooh, busted.

The teen attempted the old duck and weave, insisting the words were his, but eventually came clean.

“I just … I mean I used it, but it just helped to reflect my own feelings and stuff,” he confessed.

Magistrate Thompson gave a quiet chuckle, then offered some wisdom for the future: “Well, don’t use AI on your law assignments, it’s fairly obvious.”

Words we can all live by.

Cracking the code

Speaking of new age, we all know by now that social media isn’t just for fun, it can be serious business, especially if you can crack the code of developing the type of content people eat up in droves.

One such figure who has is Sydney solicitor Jahan Kalantar, more widely known as “the TikTok lawyer”.

Kalantar creates daily videos for his 435,000 followers covering everything from politics to religion, social commentary, recent legal cases, moustache tutorials (obviously), and even celebrities – one of his videos was recently reposted by global superstar Ed Sheeran.

Now, those who love him online can take him home and slip under the covers for a more intimate encounter – in the shape of his new book! Talk Your Way Out of Trouble: Life Lessons From The Law is on sale from next week.

Snitch caught up with Kalantar recently for a run down on what readers can expect.

Snitch: What prompted you to write the book?

Kalantar: Everyone has an opinion on what justice is and what it means. Television and movies have also helped shape the perception of what a lawyer does and who a lawyer is. I wanted a book that delved into the actual complexities of the criminal justice system and what it’s like to be a person who works in that field. To explain the realities, the ethical quandaries, the lessons learned and the day to day.

Sydney solicitor Jahan Kalantar, better know as 'The TikTok lawyer” to his 435,000 followers, has written a book.

Snitch:So, what can we expect inside?

Kalantar:The book is my story and begins by sharing some autobiographical content. Who I am, why I became a lawyer and why I chose to focus on being a criminal lawyer. It is also a deep dive into some of the cases I worked on, the people I have met and the lessons they have taught me about the law and life.

Snitch: What’s the biggest takeaway for readers?

Kalantar: The meta lesson that keeps popping up is that communication skills, perspective and the ability to choose how we react in big situations is a learned skill. You don’t need to go through the crucible of the courtroom to learn things which will help you navigate life in a better, more successful and with greater peace.