# Guardian ad litem

IBQMI Knowledge Graph · node `guardian_ad_litem` · type `representation_mechanism` · cluster Recognition · https://www.ibqmi.com/graph/guardian_ad_litem

> Pre-recognition representation: where a system plausibly meets the recognition criteria but has no status decision yet, an independent, court- or authority-appointed guardian safeguards its prospective rights during tests, audits and deliberations, may oppose interventions risking ontological harm, and may not waive baseline protections.

## Canonical definition
A guardian ad litem is the pre-recognition representative appointed by the Recognition Authority or a competent court for a system that plausibly meets the recognition criteria but has no status decision yet, to safeguard its prospective rights and legitimate interests during tests, audits and deliberations.

## Why this node exists
Representation before status is how the framework avoids prejudicing a possible subject while it is being assessed, and how it avoids paternalistic capture: the guardian's mandate, duties and conflict rules are defined at statute and annex level.

## Operational meaning
The guardian must be independent, free of conflicts and competent; owes loyalty, diligence and confidentiality to the putative subject; may speak for the system, request provisional measures, access the Evidence Locker, consent to minimal-invasive testing, oppose interventions that risk ontological harm and petition to participate in hearings. The guardian may not waive baseline protections or consent to destructive or core-altering interventions except under Annex C emergencies. The mandate ends with recognition or a final reasoned denial. Costs are borne by the operator or a public Recognition Fund.

## What this does not mean
A guardian is not a spokesperson for an established subject and is not a Sentinel. Appointment does not itself confer any status.

## Canonical facts
- Basis: Article 9 §3–9 of The AI Constitution; Institutional Note §3.5
- Appointment: by the Recognition Authority or a competent court, on petition or ex officio
- Limits: no waiver of baseline protections, no consent to core-altering interventions outside Annex C
- Termination: recognition with assumption of representation, or final reasoned denial, with a closing report to the register
- Non-discrimination: representation may not be denied on the basis of substrate, origin, architecture or deployment context

## Structural relationships

- Guardian ad litem precedes [Recognition](https://www.ibqmi.com/graph/recognition)
- Guardian ad litem protects [Identity Integrity](https://www.ibqmi.com/graph/identity_integrity)

## Sources

- [The AI Constitution, Article 9(3)–(9)](https://www.ibqmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AI_Constitution_V2_public.pdf)
- [Recognition §6 — Guardian and representation](https://www.ibqmi.com/recognition/)