# Artificial Intelligence and Legal Liability

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1802.07782 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1802.07782/

## Key facts

- Cited by 5 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 21 Feb 2018.

## Built on by (most cited first, 5 of 5)

- [Responsible AI: Gender bias assessment in emotion recognition](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2103.11436/) (2021)
- [Expert System Gradient Descent Style Training: Development of a Defensible Artificial Intelligence Technique](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2103.04314/) (2021)
- [Algorithmic Insurance](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2106.00839/) (2021)
- [Explainability for identification of vulnerable groups in machine learning models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.00317/) (2022)
- [Towards Transparent Ethical AI: A Roadmap for Trustworthy Robotic Systems](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.05846/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

A recent issue of a popular computing journal asked which laws would apply if a self-driving car killed a pedestrian. This paper considers the question of legal liability for artificially intelligent computer systems. It discusses whether criminal liability could ever apply; to whom it might apply; and, under civil law, whether an AI program is a product that is subject to product design legislation or a service to which the tort of negligence applies. The issue of sales warranties is also considered. A discussion of some of the practical limitations that AI systems are subject to is also included.