Definition
An authoritative (though not legally binding) explanation, published by a panel of legal experts, of how existing law would assign blame and financial responsibility when an AI system causes harm — for example, deciding whether the AI's owner, developer, or user is on the hook. It matters because most countries don't yet have AI-specific liability laws, so courts are applying old legal principles to new situations.
Why it matters
Until dedicated AI liability laws exist, this kind of expert statement is what courts, insurers, and contract lawyers will lean on to decide who pays when an AI system causes financial or physical harm — directly shaping contract terms and insurance premiums today.