Corporate Personhood

Corporate personhood is a controversial topic that has gained attention due to recent Supreme Court cases. Susanna Kim Ripken's book "Corporate Personhood" explores the complexity of the concept and its implications for corporate rights and duties, using a broad interdisciplinary framework.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 08 August 2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The concept of corporate personhood has garnered significant attention from those concerned about the growing prominence, power, and influence of corporations in modern society. Recent Supreme Court cases, such as Citizens United, Hobby Lobby, and Masterpiece Cakeshop, have further fueled the debate over whether corporations should be treated as legal persons under the law. These cases have solidified the free speech and religious liberty rights of corporations and their owners, leading to heightened controversy surrounding the treatment of corporations as such.

In her book, Corporate Personhood: What It Means and Why It Matters, Susanna Kim Ripken delves into these critical questions and explores the multifaceted nature of corporate personhood. Employing a broad and interdisciplinary framework, encompassing law, economics, philosophy, sociology, psychology, organizational theory, political science, and linguistics, Ripken offers a highly original and thought-provoking examination of corporate personhood. Through this comprehensive approach, she sheds light on the complex dimensions of corporate personhood and its profound implications for corporate rights and duties.

One of the central themes of Corporate Personhood is the debate over whether corporations should be granted the same rights and protections as natural persons. Ripken argues that corporations are indeed distinct legal entities with their own rights and responsibilities, and that treating them as persons under the law is necessary to ensure fair and equitable treatment. She contends that corporations should be able to exercise their free speech rights, engage in commercial transactions, and own property, just as natural persons can.

However, Ripken also acknowledges the potential drawbacks of corporate personhood. She highlights the concerns associated with corporate power, such as the influence they can wield over government and society, the potential for corporate corruption, and the impact on workers' rights and environmental sustainability. Ripken argues that it is essential to strike a balance between the rights and responsibilities of corporations and the needs and interests of other stakeholders, such as employees, consumers, and the broader community.

Another important aspect of Corporate Personhood is the debate over the nature of corporate responsibility. Ripken argues that corporations should be held accountable for their actions and decisions, just as natural persons are. She suggests that corporations should be required to adhere to ethical standards, respect human rights, and contribute to the well-being of society. However, Ripken also recognizes the challenges associated with holding corporations accountable, such as the complex legal structures that can shield them from liability and the lack of transparency and disclosure in corporate governance.

In conclusion, Corporate Personhood: What It Means and Why It Matters is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate over corporate personhood and its implications for modern society. By employing a broad and interdisciplinary framework, Ripken offers a comprehensive examination of the complex nature of corporate personhood and its implications for corporate rights and duties. Through her thoughtful analysis and insightful arguments, Ripken provides readers with a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and encourages them to consider the broader implications of treating corporations as persons under the law.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108403924