International Corporate Legal Responsibility

A growing awareness of the responsibility of corporations to respect the rights of workers and consumers and human rights generally, in addition to the impact of commercial operations upon the natural environment – constant concerns for national regulation – has engendered a relative explosion of standard-setting regimes from international institutions such as the United Nations, the European Community, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, as well as from non-governmental organisations, trade unions, and the corporations themselves in the form of such selfregulatory measures as private voluntary initiatives and codes of conduct.

This volume provides a systematic and structured treatment of the responsibilities of corporations under the broad conception of international law emerging from these developments, gathered under the headings of :

• environmental protection and sustainable development,
• international criminal law,
• corporate governance,
• labour standards, and
• human rights.

Touching upon a variety of areas of law and legal process – including corporations law, tort law, criminal law, contract law, securities regulation, international trade, taxation, and accounting standards – the analysis emphasises the principal applicable international legal instruments and jurisprudence and the procedural mechanisms, processes, and fora by which corporations may be adjudged responsible. Each chapter goes on to identify practical considerations for corporations as well as for those who advise and manage them.

This book surpasses any previous work in the field in its thoroughly researched and clearly presented analysis of the materials and strategies with which legal practitioners concerned with transnational business must be familiar in order to effectively appreciate and implement the relevant compliance issues. Of inestimable value to corporate managers and their counsel, it will also be welcomed by academics, legislators, government regulators, policymakers, non-governmental organisations, and others working on issues of corporate responsibility.