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EPISODE · Aug 3, 2026 · 9 MIN

Michigan court asks if chimpanzees are “persons”

from Ave Maria in the Afternoon Segments · host Dr. Marcus Peter

In recent years, organizations like the Nonhuman Rights Project have sought to obtain legal personhood for animals like chimpanzees and elephants. And while these cases have failed so far, they seem to be gaining momentum and sympathy within the legal system. Wes Smith joins us with a look at a recent case.Further ReadingMichigan Courts: Chimpanzees Not ‘Persons,’ but One Justice DissentsFollow Wes on TwitterGuest InfoWes Smith is the Chair and Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute’s Center on Human Exceptionalism. He’s also the host of the Humanize Podcast. He’s the author of 13 books including “Culture of Death: The age of Do-Harm Medicine.” Follow him on Twitter @thewesleyjsmith and check out his articles at National Review, First Things and more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 3, 2026

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