ABSTRACT
The law is first and foremost about relationships for it is only within the context of relationships that the transformation of personal resources made possible by law can occur. In most societies different individuals have different access to the transformation of resources that the law provides. In US society, the status of Nonperson has typically been an ascribed one, but it may also be achieved. For example, in many societies, people convicted of a serious crime may lose—generally, in addition to their freedom—their standing as Persons in the eyes of the law. The use of the phrase “incorporated group,” as opposed to just “group,” is an important clue to the fact that we are talking about something legal, for incorporation is a legal thing. Prior to the Civil War some US courts viewed corporations with distrust; these potentially powerful actors lacked both soul and conscience.
