AI rules for self-represented litigants: U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, Beaumont Division
In effect · Federal · Texas
| Scope | All parties in civil and criminal cases covered by Standing Order MC-11 |
|---|---|
| Order or rule | Standing Order MC-11: Disclosure and Certification Requirements for Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence |
| Number | MC-11 |
| Date signed | 2026-07-20 |
| Status | In effect |
| Applies to self-represented litigants | Yes. It applies to parties appearing pro se. |
| Do you have to disclose AI use? | Yes. If you use AI to draft or help draft a pleading, you must include a Certificate of Generative Artificial Intelligence Usage. |
| Certification required | Yes. The certificate must disclose AI use, certify that you independently verified the AI-assisted parts, and certify that no confidential or privileged information was disclosed to an unauthorized party. |
| What you must verify | Independently verify the accuracy of any part of the document drafted or assisted by AI. The district's local rules also remind all litigants to review and verify their filings. |
| Sanctions mentioned | Fines, dismissal of the case, education programs, referral to disciplinary boards, and other measures. |
Summary
This standing order requires every party who uses AI to draft a pleading, including self-represented parties, to file a certificate disclosing the AI use and certifying independent verification. Using AI does not excuse errors.
What this means for you
- If AI helped draft your pleading, attach a Certificate of Generative Artificial Intelligence Usage.
- The certificate must say you checked the AI-assisted parts yourself.
- Do not paste confidential or privileged information into AI tools.
Standing Order MC-11, Eastern District of Texas, Beaumont Division
Last verified: 2026-10-21
Changes
- 2026-10-21 — Added to directory.
This summary is general legal information, not legal advice. Court rules change, and individual judges may add their own requirements. Always read the official order and your judge's rules before you file.
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