Corporate Liability and the Concept of Limited Liability
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https://doi.org/10.59022/ijlp.386Keywords:
Corporate Liability, Limited Liability, Corporate Law, Shareholder Protection, Legal Accountability, Entrepreneurship, Investor ConfidenceAbstract
Corporate liability and the concept of limited liability are central features of modern corporate law, shaping the relationship between businesses, stakeholders, and society. Corporate liability ensures that companies, as separate legal entities, can be held accountable for civil wrongs, contractual breaches, and criminal acts committed by their agents. This principle strengthens legal accountability by preventing corporations from escaping responsibility under the veil of their distinct legal personality. On the other hand, limited liability protects shareholders by restricting their financial risk to the value of their investment, thereby encouraging entrepreneurship and capital formation. While limited liability fosters economic growth, it also raises concerns about misuse, such as fraudulent activities or environmental harm, where shareholders remain shielded. Balancing corporate liability with limited liability is therefore essential for maintaining justice, protecting third parties, and sustaining investor confidence in the corporate system.
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