Unequal Protection

Unequal Protection traces the history of corporate power in America, examining how corporations gained unprecedented legal rights and privileges. The book documents key Supreme Court cases and legislative decisions that transformed businesses from state-chartered entities into legally-recognized "persons" with constitutional protections. Through historical research and legal analysis, Hartmann reveals how corporate influence has expanded from the Industrial Revolution through the modern era. The text explores the consequences of corporate personhood on democracy, worker rights, environmental protection, and public health. Drawing on court documents, historical records, and economic data, the book presents the evolution of corporate power structures in the United States and their impact on governmental systems. The narrative follows specific legal battles and policy changes that reshaped the relationship between businesses and civil society. The work raises fundamental questions about the nature of democracy and individual rights in a system where artificial entities hold similar constitutional protections as human citizens. This historical examination provides context for ongoing debates about corporate influence in politics and society.

Readers describe this book as an eye-opening history of corporate personhood in America. Many cite its clear explanation of how corporations gained constitutional rights through legal decisions. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear breakdown of complex legal concepts - Detailed historical research and documentation - Solutions and action items in later chapters - Engaging writing style that makes legal history accessible Common criticisms: - Repetitive content and examples - Political bias in some sections - Limited coverage of opposing viewpoints - Some readers found the action steps unrealistic Review Scores: Goodreads: 4.12/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (250+ reviews) "Finally helps me understand how we got here" and "Should be required reading in law schools" appear frequently in positive reviews. Critical reviews often note "preaching to the choir" and "oversimplified solutions." Multiple readers mentioned using it as a reference book rather than reading cover-to-cover due to dense legal content.

We the Corporations by Adam Winkler Chronicles the parallel civil rights history of corporations gaining constitutional protections through Supreme Court cases and legal precedents.

The Corporation by Joel Bakan Examines the corporation's evolution from a legal instrument to a dominant institution with psychological traits and legal powers.

Dark Money by Jane Mayer Documents the rise of billionaire corporate activists who use nonprofit organizations to influence American politics and policy.

Gangs of America by Ted Nace Traces the corporation's rise from an instrument of government to a powerful institution that overwhelms democratic processes.

Citizens United by Jeff Clements Analyzes the Supreme Court's landmark decision granting corporations First Amendment rights and its effects on democratic processes.

★ The concept of corporate personhood, a central theme in the book, emerged from a clerical error in an 1886 Supreme Court case headnote for Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad. ★ Author Thom Hartmann is America's #1 progressive radio host, reaching millions of listeners daily through his nationally syndicated program "The Thom Hartmann Show." ★ Prior to the American Revolution, corporations in the British Empire required royal charters and were strictly limited in scope, duration, and purpose - a stark contrast to modern corporate powers. ★ The East India Company, discussed as a historical example in the book, became so powerful it had its own army of 350,000 soldiers - twice the size of the British Army in the 1800s. ★ The first corporations in America were primarily created to serve public functions like building bridges, roads, and canals, with clear expiration dates once their specific purpose was fulfilled.