Criminal–Judicial Challenges and Limitations Concerning Emerging Crimes Committed by Robots or Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of technology and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)–equipped robots into various aspects of human life, new legal challenges have emerged that previously did not exist—particularly those relating to the criminal liability of AI systems, especially in cases where such systems are implicated in the commission of crimes and accusations are directed toward AI-based entities. This is precisely the issue addressed in the present study, which seeks to provide a comprehensive and holistic perspective on the developments and legal deficiencies associated with the criminal responsibility of robots. Through the analysis of existing legal frameworks in this area, the study examines the overarching concept of robots and the related legal and technological transformations. It focuses on how robots may become involved in intentional or unintentional offenses and seeks to identify the potential legal responsibility of designers, developers, and users of these systems. The findings of this research indicate that current laws suffer from ambiguity and inadequacy in determining the exact nature of liabilities arising from the conduct of AI-driven robots, which in turn leads to confusion and weakens the administration of criminal justice. Challenges such as evidentiary difficulties in proving technology-based crimes, protecting the rights of victims of robotic offenses, distinguishing between human and machine intent, assigning responsibility in the absence of direct human control, determining the role of corporations in the design and operation of robots, resolving conflicts between legal principles and modern technologies, defining the liability of robot users or owners, and the absence of a clear legal definition of the "agent" in robotic crimes are discussed within this framework.