Corporate Personhood, 2/8/2010

Since the late 1800s, corporations have enjoyed some of the privileges of individual citizens. This is called “corporate personhood.” The law, essentially, upholds the idea that a corporation is a representative of its shareholders—that it acts on the shareholders’ desires, on their behalf.

The confusion of corporate and individual rights is the source of much debate. The relevant cases are listed here, for the curious or legally-minded. The question is, does the judgment of corporations go the same way as the judgment of individuals? Can a corporation, or its representatives, be sued for larceny? What about the corporate right to privacy? There are plenty of bad examples. Can you think of any good ones? (CRF)