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Legal Rights for Computers

Posted by michael on from the ROU-frank-exchange-of-views dept.

nicholast writes "There's a really smart story in the current issue of Legal Affairs Magazine about granting legal recognition to computers: when that might happen, why it could happen, and what a discussion about it will teach humans about themselves."

8 of 550 comments (clear)

  1. The Measure of a Man by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
    "It sits there looking at me, and I don't know what it is. This case has dealt with metaphysics, with questions best left to saints and philosophers. I am neither competent nor qualified to answer those. I've got to make a ruling, to try to speak the the future. Is Data a machine? Yes. Is he the property of Starfleet? No. We have all been dancing around the basic issue. Does Data have a soul? I don't know that he has. I don't know that I have! But I have got to give him the freedom to explore that question himself. It is the ruling of this court that Lieutenant Commander Data has the freedom to choose."

    -- Captain Phillipa Louvois


    I believe this was already settled in the case of Maddox vs. Data on stardate 42523.7. The case determined that Lt. Commander Data, an artificial lifeform constructed by Dr. Noonian Soong, was not the property of Starfleet, but rather a sentient being with the full legal rights afforded any other.
  2. Hmm? by elid · · Score: 4, Funny
    According to the trial scenario, a fictitious company created a powerful computer, BINA48, to serve as a stand-alone customer relations department, replacing scores of human 1-800 telephone operators.

    Yes, but what sort of accent did it have?

  3. I For One Would Like To Welcome... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    the Age of Stupidity.

  4. That's it, I'm going to get my lawyer's degree now by RAMMS+EIN · · Score: 3, Funny

    This is great for lawyers. Just imagine the possibilities when these clueless people start suing their computers for all the actions the malware on them performs...

    $$$$

    --
    Please correct me if I got my facts wrong.
  5. A Response by Rie+Beam · · Score: 4, Funny

    I really don't think computers should be consider leOH GOD THE USB CABLE IS ENTERING MY EYESOCKET!

  6. Already have rights... by CRC'99 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Don't know about you, but I'm already 0wn3d by my computer - every time it crashes or needs a reinstall....

    --
    Sendmail is like emacs: A nice operating system, but missing an editor and a MTA.
  7. If the DRAM doesn't fit, by Prince+Vegeta+SSJ4 · · Score: 4, Funny
    You must acquit!

    Your honor, it could not have been my client. As the perpetrator in question clearly had had 1 gig and my client wears a size 2

  8. Per Mr. Adams... by Faust7 · · Score: 3, Funny

    According to the trial scenario, a fictitious company created a powerful computer, BINA48, to serve as a stand-alone customer relations department, replacing scores of human 1-800 telephone operators.

    There is another theory which states that this has already happened.

    --
    The coolest voice ever.