Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad

Miscellaneous History
1

One of my professors likes to bring up the Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad case during his rants against corporatism. His argument is, more or less, as follows:

“We do not have government right now, we have corporatocracy…[insert random tirade here]… Democracy is on its way out in America, because of the Santa Clara decision… Corporations now share the same rights as you and I. Things aren’t looking good for this country…[insert more ranting here]… Don’t even talk to me about the evils of government if you don’t first mention Santa Clara.”

From what I’ve read (mostly Wikipedia and an article my professor passed out in class), the case more or less ruled that corporations are entitled to 14th amendment protections, or that corporations are now “people.”

The reason I bring this up is due to the fact that my prof. likes to bring it up so much, and constantly bombards the class with his rants about it. Furthermore, I never know why he says “we don’t have government, we have corporatocracy.” Clear we have government. I think its the “anti-corporatist” in him (which he calls himself, mind you) speaking when he makes such arguments.

Basically, I’m looking for more info on the Santa Clara case. Articles, book chapters, etc. Any info in general would be much appreciated.

2

Just remember that our current “corporations” are not at all equivalent with “private industry”. There’s a lot to be said for the notion that the government and corporations have melded into a cartel at best, at least the corporations in certain favored industries or that have political pull, though the entire concept of “limited liability” is a tremendous boon to corporations, not to mention the regulatory hurdles they put in place that serve mostly as a barrier to entry to new competition. The recent decision does indeed just make the situation worse.

3

Root problem is statist provision of law.

4

Blueline,

You may be interested in reading part of chapter four of the book Complete Liberty (pp. 80-84).

5

That looks like an interesting book, Jonathan. Thanks!