Book Review — Immortality and the Law, by Ray Madoff

17 Pages Posted: 24 Feb 2012

See all articles by Bruce Berner

Bruce Berner

Valparaiso University Law School

Date Written: February 22, 2012

Abstract

This piece reviews the book, "Immortality and the Law (The Rising Power of the American Dead)" (Yale University Press, 2010), by Ray D. Madoff, Professor of Law at Boston College School of Law. The book examines three areas of American law dealing with one’s power to maintain a form of control after death — the distribution of property; the use of the personal body; and the interests in privacy, publicity, and royalties. Professor Madoff examines how American law differs in many surprising ways from the laws of most other countries. She particularly points out the trouble created by the concentration of wealth for long periods of time made possible by the repeal in many jurisdictions of the rule against perpetuities. The author’s skillful use of interesting cases and examples brings exuberant life to what many would view as a “dead subject.”

Keywords: immortality, rule against perpetuities, dynasty trusts

Suggested Citation

Berner, Bruce G., Book Review — Immortality and the Law, by Ray Madoff (February 22, 2012). Valparaiso University Law Review, Forthcoming, Valparaiso University Legal Studies Research Paper No. 12-01, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2009584

Bruce G. Berner (Contact Author)

Valparaiso University Law School ( email )

656 S. Greenwich St.
Valparaiso, IN 46383-6493
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
50
Abstract Views
552
PlumX Metrics