---
title: "Check a tool's message for a means used only to embarrass, delay, or burden"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/obligations/client-facing-and-access-to-justice-ai-tools/check-a-practice-tool-s-message-for-a-misleading-or-intimidating-stateme/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A43-JU20261022-18-US"
practice_area: "Client-facing & access-to-justice AI tools"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Check a tool's message for a means used only to embarrass, delay, or burden

> From the message the tool proposes to send, list any line whose only stated purpose is to embarrass, delay, or burden the other person. Do not send the message.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/obligations/client-facing-and-access-to-justice-ai-tools/check-a-practice-tool-s-message-for-a-misleading-or-intimidating-stateme/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Client-facing & access-to-justice AI tools](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/client-facing-and-access-to-justice-ai-tools.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | From the message the tool proposes to send, list any line whose only stated purpose is to embarrass, delay, or burden the other person. Do not send the message. |
| What the lawyer must review | Model Rule 4.4(a) says that, in representing a client, a lawyer shall not use means that have no substantial purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden a third person, or use methods of obtaining evidence that violate the legal rights of that person. Formal Opinion 512 says uncritical use of tool output can produce misleading representations to third parties, and quotes Rule 8.4(c) on conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. The lawyer settles the message before it is sent. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Check a practice tool's message for a misleading or intimidating statement](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/client-facing-and-access-to-justice-ai-tools/check-a-practice-tool-s-message-for-a-misleading-or-intimidating-stateme.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: From the message the tool proposes to send, list any line whose only stated purpose is to embarrass, delay, or burden the other person. Do not send the message.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- The text opened is the ABA Model Rule. The rule adopted in the lawyer's jurisdiction controls where it differs.
- The text of Rule 8.4 was not opened. The words quoted above are the words Formal Opinion 512 uses.

## Sources

- [ABA Model Rule 4.4, Respect for rights of third persons](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_4_4_respect_for_rights_of_third_persons/) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [ABA Formal Opinion 512, Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools (29 July 2024)](https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/professional_responsibility/ethics-opinions/aba-formal-opinion-512.pdf) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*