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> Although the title of legal personhood is a unique way of approaching conservation, it can draw questions about how the Magpie will manage the intricacies of the legal system — especially since it can now theoretically sue and be sued.

> In the case of damage, due to flooding for instance, Cárdenas explains that the Magpie would likely not be found liable. "The river doesn't commit intentional damage, therefore it cannot be sued," she said, pointing out that those who build in known flood zones are also aware of the risks.

Intent is not a condition for successfully suing someone but realistically this entire thing is mostly a joke anyway so might as well make up the entire thing as they go.



If you enjoy thinking about the legal implications of this, you'll almost certainly enjoy the first entry in "Legal Systems Very Different From Ours, Because I Just Made Them Up": https://slatestarcodex.com/2020/03/30/legal-systems-very-dif...

An excerpt:

> The Clamzorians are animists. They believe every rock and tree and river has its own spirit. And those spirits are legal people. This on its own is not unusual – even New Zealand gives rivers legal personhood. But in Clamzoria, if a flood destroys your home, you sue the river.




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