California: As Math theory goes, if A=B and B=C then A=C. California activist and consultant for nonprofits named Jonathan Frieman applied the same theory, driving in a carpool lane with Corporation papers in the passenger seat. Unfortunately he was pulled over for driving alone and got into an argument with the officer claiming that he did have a passenger. Corporations are people under California law and thereby should have the same rights as any individual, he argued, but ended up being slapped with a fine of $481. 
The U.S. Supreme Court‘s 2010 “Citizens United” decision rankled many Americans because it ruled that corporations and unions have a right under the First Amendment to make independent political expenditures. This opened the door for them to give unlimited money to the so-called “Super PACs,” who spent most of it during the last election on advertising designed to sway voters one way or the other. Critics say this has opened the door to corporate personhood.
California Vehicle Code section 470 defines a “person” as “a natural person, firm, copartnership, association, limited liability company, or corporation.” Section 21655.5, under which Frieman was cited, states that “no person shall drive a vehicle upon lanes except in conformity with the instructions imparted by the official traffic control devices.
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- Judge rejects man’s corporation-as-passenger claim (usnews.nbcnews.com)
Filed under: News, Politics Tagged: California, Citizens United, Corporation, First Amendment to the United States Constitution, High-occupancy vehicle lane, Jonathan Frieman, Supreme Court of the United States, United States
