header-logo header-logo

The insider: 6 June 2025

221403
More oi oi than AI: Dominic Regan on fake citations, succinct judgments & bewildering costs

On the day before his birthday, Sir Andrew Ritchie heard and gave judgment in the bizarre case of R (on the application of Frederick Ayinde) v Haringey London Borough Council [2025] EWHC 1040 (Admin). I have no doubt that reams will be dedicated to this matter, but nevertheless I want to make a few comments.

This is the infamous judicial review in which no less than five fake authorities were cited to the defendant and the High Court. There is no accepted explanation as to where these cases originated. Who or what created them? The finger is pointed at artificial intelligence (AI). No one should ever be citing authorities without first checking their provenance. Dare I say it is also a mighty good idea to read them? No matter how brilliant the headnote, there is no substitute for reading the entire decision within which there might just be buried treasure. The seminal authority

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal, reflects on chasing her childhood dreams underscores the importance of welcoming those from all backgrounds into the profession

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dispute resolution team welcomes associate in London

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Special education needs and mental capacity expert joins as partner

NEWS
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
In NLJ this week, Ian Smith, emeritus professor at UEA, explores major developments in employment law from the Supreme Court and appellate courts
Writing in NLJ this week, Kamran Rehman and Harriet Campbell of Penningtons Manches Cooper examine Operafund Eco-Invest SICAV plc v Spain, where the Commercial Court held that ICSID and Energy Charter Treaty awards cannot be assigned
back-to-top-scroll