Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Texas

What would the legal implications be if it were proven by scientists that ghosts are real?

What civil rights would the deceased retain as the law stands? Property rights? Squatter's rights in the case of hauntings? Voting rights? Protection from unethical experimentation or imprisonment (eg. necromancy)? Defamation laws? What changes would need to be made to accommodate them?

Assuming communication is possible between ghosts and the living through electronic voice phenomenon or via psychics or interactions through dreams. Assuming ghosts move about and experience the world similarly to the living. Assuming that ghosts have some minimal ability to physically affect matter and light (eg. objects nudged, knocked over; apparitions; sounds).

Please understand that I ask this in complete seriousness. If I've asked this in the wrong place, I hope you'll forgive me and direct me to a more appropriate resource if you are aware of one.


Asked on 7/08/12, 11:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

There would be no immediate implications. If it could be shown that ghosts are real, that they can communicate with the living and that our legal system affects them in substantial ways, Congress and the state legislators (as well as their counterparts in other countries) could enact new laws and modify existing ones for their benefit. Or they might choose not to.

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Answered on 7/10/12, 12:42 pm


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