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Many companies striving to be good corporate citizens today face an internal tug of war between giving attention to community initiatives that address social problems and the growing demand to make environmental issues paramount.
Chevron Case Weighs Extent of Overseas Liability
By Susan Thomas, Assistant Director, Electronic Communications, Boston College Center
The closely-watched federal lawsuit Bowoto v. Chevron could determine if multinational companies can be held responsible for alleged human-rights violations that occur on its properties abroad. The case involves a 1998 protest by Nigerian villagers against Chevron. The protest lasted for three days, at which time Chevron called the Nigerian military to remove them; two protesters were shot and killed, and others allegedly jailed and tortured. This is the first time courts are considering whether a corporation can be held responsible for actions of local authorities it calls in for protection. Read the full Wall Street Journal article (subscription required).
