canada us-constitution human-rights
Do sentient Artificial Intelligences have legal rights?
<p>There has been lots of talk about whether sentient AI (assuming such emerge) would have rights under existing laws, but I don't understand it at all, from a legal standpoint.</p>
<p>Take the Declaration of Independence:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created
equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable
Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of
Happiness.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Or the Constitution, which uses the word 'people' throughout.</p>
<p>It makes it very clear that rights are given to humans - not to computers that might have a human thought process.</p>
<p>Or take the Canadian Bill of Rights:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It is hereby recognized and declared that in Canada there have existed
and shall continue to exist without discrimination by reason of race,
national origin, colour, religion or sex, the following human rights
and fundamental freedoms...</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This also makes it abundantly clear that rights are extended to biological humans, not robo-Frankensteins.</p>
<p>Is there any logical arguement that AI should have rights, or is it all a foolish idea from a bunch of talking heads with no critical thinking skills?</p>
<p>Note: This is independent from the question of whether sentient AI <em>should</em> should have rights, the question is whether, under current legal systems, rights <em>would</em> extend to sentient AI.</p>

<h2>Because the courts or the legislature decide they have them</h2>
<p>There is no doubt that both the courts and the legislature in common law countries have the ability to find, create, or extend rights and this has been done in the past.</p>
<p>This is, in fact, where legal rights were created. The US Bill of Rights was created by the people in 1791. If the people in 2191 want to grant rights to AIs then they can do this.</p>
<p>This is legally possible. Whether it's a good idea is a matter of philosophy and politics.</p>
