It appears we have started judging a 'legal person' based upon their ability to think. The Nonhuman Rights Project has filed suit in NY to get chimpanzees declared people for purposes of determining their constitutional rights. They are trying to get the chimpanzee freed from private ownership and placed in another animal facility through a habeas corpus suit.
A habeas suit determines if a person is being denied liberty in violation of their constitutional rights. This usually involves someone being held in a jail or prison. If the court determines they are being held unconstitutionally, they must be released.
So, does this argument mean that people without apparent cognitive abilities (such as the ability to comprehend time and individuality) are not legal persons? Does this mean that, if you own a chimpanzee, you are owning a "legal person" and anyone can sue to have the animal taken from you?
Chimpanzee habeas suit seeks declaration of 'legal personhood' based on cognitive abilities
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