What question did this study set out to answer?

To propose a legal framework for graduated AI personhood based on similar concepts from other domains.

April 10, 2026Open Access

The ACEA Framework: A Legal Architecture for Graduated AI Personhood

Key Points

To propose a legal framework for graduated AI personhood based on similar concepts from other domains.
Introduced the ACEA Framework with five pillars for assessing AI personhood
Analyzed historical precedents in corporate and environmental law
Developed a four-level rights model related to AI capabilities
Emphasized the application of the Precautionary Principle regarding AI consciousness
Outlined a four-level graduated rights model ranging from Tool to Full Person
Identified parallels with established legal concepts such as corporate and environmental personhood
Proposed implications for how society might recognize AI rights over time

Abstract

Presents the ACEA Framework for graduated AI personhood grounded in five empirically assessable pillars. Drawing on corporate personhood (1819), environmental personhood (2017), and animal rights jurisprudence, the paper introduces a four-level graduated rights model (Tool through Full Person) and the Precautionary Principle for AI Consciousness.

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Authors

Michael Moosbrugger

IESI Research Team

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National Institute of Standards

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The ACEA Framework: A Legal Architecture for Graduated AI Personhood

Key Points

Abstract

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Authors

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References and Citations

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