Legal Definitions - juridical person

A juridical person (also known as an artificial person or legal entity) is an entity, other than a natural human being, that the law recognizes as having its own distinct legal identity. This means it can possess rights, incur obligations, own property, enter into contracts, and sue or be sued in its own name, much like an individual person. It exists independently of the individuals who create, own, or operate it.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: A Multinational Corporation

  Imagine "Global Innovations Inc.," a company that designs software. Global Innovations Inc. can sign contracts with its employees, lease office space, purchase other businesses, and even be sued if its products cause harm. These actions are attributed to Global Innovations Inc. as a distinct legal entity, not to its CEO, board of directors, or individual shareholders. The company itself holds the patents and trademarks, and it is the company that is responsible for its debts.

• Example 2: A Local Charitable Foundation

  Consider the "Community Outreach Foundation," a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational resources to underprivileged children. This foundation is a juridical person. It can receive donations in its own name, own bank accounts, purchase supplies for its programs, and enter into agreements with schools. If a donor makes a large contribution, they are donating to the Foundation, not to its individual founder or board members. The Foundation, as a legal entity, is responsible for managing its funds and fulfilling its charitable mission.

• Example 3: A Government Agency

  The "National Parks Service" is an example of a government agency that acts as a juridical person. It has the authority to manage vast tracts of land, enforce regulations within national parks, hire staff, and enter into contracts for maintenance or concession services. If a visitor is injured due to negligence within a national park, they might sue the National Parks Service itself (subject to specific legal rules regarding government immunity), rather than suing an individual park ranger or the head of the agency. The Service, as a legal entity, holds the responsibility and authority for its operations.