Unmanned Vehicles – Subordination to Criminal Law under the Modern Concept of Criminal Liability

Abstract

This commentary is restricted to the question of criminal liability of the autonomous unmanned vehicle. Autonomous unmanned vehicles are based on artificial intelligence technology, and they function as artificial intelligence entities. If the use of these entities may result in tortious conduct,1 then their use may also be capable of resulting in criminal offenses. The ultimate legal question is, therefore, who is to be held responsible for offenses committed by unmanned vehicles based on artificial intelligence technology (hereinafter 'AIUV'). Modern concepts of criminal liability suggest that criminal liability models are relevant to artificial intelligence entities.3 This commentary argues that these criminal liability models are relevant and available to AIUV.