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Artificial Person: A Comprehensive Guide to Legal Entities
Definition & Meaning
An artificial person is a legal entity created by law that possesses certain rights and responsibilities similar to those of a human being. This term can refer to both real and imaginary entities, such as corporations or companies. In legal contexts, artificial persons are treated as individuals, allowing them to enter contracts, sue, and be sued.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
Artificial persons are commonly used in various legal practices, particularly in corporate law. They play a crucial role in the following areas:
Corporate law: Corporations are the most common form of artificial persons, allowing businesses to operate as separate legal entities.
Contract law: Artificial persons can enter into contracts, which is essential for business operations.
Litigation: They can sue or be sued in court, providing a legal framework for resolving disputes.
Users can manage certain legal procedures related to artificial persons using templates from US Legal Forms, which are drafted by qualified attorneys.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Here are a couple of examples of artificial persons:
A corporation, such as Apple Inc., which can own assets, hire employees, and enter contracts (real example).
A nonprofit organization created to promote education, which can receive donations and provide services (hypothetical example).
State-by-state differences
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
State
Key Difference
California
Requires specific filings for corporations to maintain their status as artificial persons.
Delaware
Known for favorable corporate laws, making it a popular state for incorporation.
Texas
Has unique regulations regarding the formation and operation of nonprofit artificial persons.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Key Difference
Natural person
A human being with legal rights and responsibilities.
Natural persons are individuals, while artificial persons are entities created by law.
Corporation
A specific type of artificial person that is incorporated under state law.
All corporations are artificial persons, but not all artificial persons are corporations.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are involved with an artificial person, such as a corporation or nonprofit, consider the following steps:
Ensure compliance with local laws regarding formation and operation.
Use US Legal Forms to access templates for necessary legal documents.
If your situation is complex, consult a legal professional for tailored advice.
Find the legal form that fits your case
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.