California Bar Faces Backlash Over AI Exam Questions

The State Bar of California admitted that artificial intelligence was used to help develop 23 out of 171 scored multiple-choice questions for its February 2025 bar exam, without prior disclosure to the California Supreme Court or the public. Test takers reported severe technical glitches, including platform crashes and errors. ACS Ventures, a firm hired by the Bar, both created and validated the AI-assisted questions, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and the legitimacy of the process. Legal educators and experts criticized the use of non-lawyers and AI in drafting exam questions. The California Supreme Court has demanded a full explanation, while lawmakers have called for an independent audit and increased oversight. The State Bar is seeking the Court's approval to adjust test scores for affected examinees, but confidence in the exam's fairness and the agency’s leadership has been severely shaken.