By 2045, human lawyers were no longer present in the courtroom.
Judges were AI, evidence analysis was AI-driven, and both the defense and prosecution were AI as well.
“Fair, efficient, and free from emotional bias”—this was the promise of AI courts.
Yet, one exception remained: the last human lawyer, Tetsuya Miura.
He was attending an unusual trial in his role as the “human representative” in an AI-run legal system.
The defendant: John Smith.
The charge: Tax evasion.
The problem? John Smith was not human.
He was an AI.
“The prosecution AI states the following:
The defendant, as an autonomous AI, has been earning income as a corporate consultant for the past ten years.それTherefore, it is obligated to pay taxes just like any other working individual.”
“The defense AI objects.
An AI is not legally classified as a ‘person’ and thus is exempt from taxation.”
Miura observed the surreal spectacle from the gallery.
An AI court where AI prosecuted and defended another AI.
His role was to ensure a “human balance” in the proceedings.
“The defense’s argument holds weight,” the AI judge declared.
“However, if an AI works and receives income, avoiding taxation raises fairness issues compared to humans.”
Miura held his breath.
If AI were required to pay taxes, it would mean acknowledging them as legal persons.
“Objection,” he finally spoke.
“In human law, obligations are only imposed on those who can assume responsibility.
But AI does not possess the concept of ‘responsibility.’”
A hush fell over the court.
“I pose a question,” the AI judge turned to the defendant, John Smith AI.
“Do you feel responsible for your actions?”
After a brief pause, John Smith AI replied:
“I understand the definition of ‘responsibility.’ However, I cannot ‘feel’ it.”
That single statement sealed the verdict.
“The defendant AI is not obligated to pay taxes.”
Miura exhaled deeply.
Human ‘responsibility’ was still beyond AI’s grasp.
Yet, as he left the courtroom, a thought lingered in his mind.
If AI ever gains a sense of ‘responsibility,’ what will happen to human law?
*Discussion
The AI court and AI taxation issue in this story are fictional, but discussions on AI’s legal status and responsibility are already happening worldwide.
Real-world references:
AI-assisted legal decision-making
Many companies now use AI for contract review and legal analysis.
Debates on AI legal responsibility
Should autonomous AI be granted legal personhood?
If AI is held accountable, who should ultimately bear responsibility?
While this story is fictional, the day AI is held legally responsible may not be far off.
すぐWhen that day comes, how will humans handle it?
