Deepfake of deceased man gives his own impact statement in court

An AI-generated deepfake of a deceased road rage victim delivered an impact statement at the sentencing of his killer, marking a potential first use of the technology in court. The victim's family, seeking to honor his memory, spearheaded this innovative approach after struggling to articulate their feelings. The victim's sister wrote the script, believing it reflected what her brother would have wanted to say. The court approved the use of the AI avatar, which expressed forgiveness towards the defendant during the sentencing. Despite the avatar's plea, the judge imposed the maximum sentence of over ten years, acknowledging the victim's forgiveness. The defense has raised concerns, citing grounds for appeal due to the introduction of the AI presentation. An Arizona State University law professor expressed ethical concerns, fearing dangerous legal precedent from the technology's use. The case highlights the evolving intersection of technology, justice, and grieving processes. This event has sparked legal and ethical debates regarding the implications of utilizing AI in court proceedings.