Immortality and the law : the rising power of the American dead / Ray D. Madoff.

New Haven : Yale University Press, [2010]

©2010

KF750 .M328 2010

9780300121841 (clothbound : alk. paper)
0300121849 (clothbound : alk. paper)

x, 191 pages ; 25 cm

(OCoLC)449853695

"This book takes a look at how the law responds to that distinctly American dream of immortality. While American law provides virtually no protections for the interests we hold most dear - our bodies and our reputations - when it comes to property interests, the American dead have greater control than anywhere else in the world. Moreover, these rights are growing daily. From grave robbery to Elvis impersonators, Ray D. Madoff shows how the law of the dead has a direct impact on how we live." "Madoff examines how the rising power of the American dead enables the deceased to exert control over their wealth forever through grandiose schemes like "dynasty trusts" and perpetual private charitable foundations and to control their creative works and identities well into the unforeseeable future. Madoff explores how the law of the dead can, in essence, extend the reach of life by granting virtual immortality to individuals. All of this comes, Madoff contends, at real costs imposed on the living."--BOOK JACKET.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Onsite Print Resources
Shared Records
All Resources