Should Corporations Be Allowed to Sue Nations?

[masterblaster72 0]

Philip Morris is suing Uruguay for its strict anti-smoking laws in the World Bank’s International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes.

from here:

Quote

The world’s biggest tobacco company – whose annual revenues of $77bn across 180 countries far exceed Uruguay’s gross domestic product of about $50bn – claims that a 2009 anti-tobacco law damages its intellectual property rights and has hit sales, in what is being seen as a test case for the tobacco industry.

My opinion is that taxpayers picking up the bill for its own laws to pay to corporations opposing said laws sets a very dangerous precedent, eroding the concept of national sovereignty.

What do you think?

Be humble, ask questions, listen, learn, follow the golden rule, talk when necessary, and know when to shut the fuck up.

[RonD1120 62]

Waiting for Andy9o8 or Lawrocket on this one. I believe any legal entity can sue any other legal entity for or about anything. That is how civil and corporate attorneys make a living.

American attorneys are aggressive, creative and tenacious. Just look at what they are doing to our government.

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

[quade 4]

Different countries, different customs (or in this case laws).

I guess they can try, but I don't see bringing a lawsuit as a productive way of going about things though.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[champu 1]

There's a danger in using an entity you don't like, or at the very least don't identify with, as a case study for what any entity should or shouldn't be allowed to do.

I'm not sure what your "yes, in some cases" choice even means in response to the question "should x be allowed to sue y?"

[kallend 2,105]

In any number of decisions since 1819 (and most recently in Citizens United, 2010) the Supremes have held that corporations are (legally) persons.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[Andy9o8 2]

RonD1120

American attorneys are aggressive, creative and tenacious. Just look at what they are doing to our government.

Indeed!

[vision 0]

This is what the TPP brings to the table.

yes tobacco companies suing countries over anti smoking laws, I hope then that the countries will be counter suing the tobacco companies for the extra healthcare costs incurred by thier actions.

If the courts were not bought off, unfair and unjust, then I would not really be opposed to this so much as it would probably balance out. But since companies like Monsanto have their ex employees and officials in the courts and FDA etc and similar occurrences from other large companies...

Then this sets a dangerous precedent.

I say put criminals in court, and those that abuse their roles however powerful should be exposed, tried and incarcerated (paid for with their own money).

[skydiver30960 0]

Not a loaded question, asking out of pure curiosity: does anyone feel their opinion would change if it was a more philanthropic entity suing a country that was stopping a (perceived) beneficial action?

IOW, I voted no, but worry that my decision was based on Phillip Morris being the plaintiff. Maybe not a perfect analogy, but what if the example had been Doctors Without Borders suing a country because they were barring them from providing care within their borders?

Elvisio "scratching chin" Rodriguez

[JerryBaumchen 1,424]

Hi Elvisio,

Quote

if the example had been Doctors Without Borders suing a country because they were barring them from providing care within their borders

It's still 'their' country, their rules.

If any country wants to keep someone out, they should be allowed to do so.

JerryBaumchen