"8ackgr0und N015e" > wrote in message
ps.com...
>
> Logan Shaw wrote:
>> HGF wrote:
>> > Ok, don't ever prosecute a corporation for crimes cuz they're not a
>> > person, then don't let them purchase political candidates under the
>> > guise of free speech either...
>>
>> I thought the whole point of corporations, from a legal standpoint,
>> was that they are legally equivalent to a person in many respects.
>> They can own property, they can be held liable for things, etc.
>>
>> - Logan
>
> It's a legal fiction based on the misreading of Santa Clara County v.
> Southern Pacific Railroad Company (118 U.S. 394). The argument made by
> the Railroad was that under the 14th amendment they could claim an
> equal protection right against the actions of Santa Clara County which
> was trying to collect taxes for land use according to a formula that
> was not applied to other individuals. However, the court ignored that
> aspect of the Railroad's case and focused on the fact that the formula
> for determining taxes was vague and unenforceable.
>
> Nonetheless, the notion that the 14th amendment applied to corporations
> as individuals became an accepted legal fiction.
>
> Of late, this has been extended to include the 1st amendment right of
> free speech, as indicated by advertising for political candidates.
>
> The fourth amendment rights have already been asserted to defend
> against surprise health inspections.
>
> It will not be long before the second amendment rights are
> asserted...then look out!
>

Yep, the courts making laws rather than interpreting them. (Against the
people's wishes.)