Debt's Dominion: A History of Bankruptcy Law in America

Book Description

Bankruptcy in America, in stark contrast to its status in most other countries, typically signifies not a debtor's last gasp but an opportunity to catch one's breath and recoup. Why has the nation's legal system evolved to allow both corporate and individual debtors greater control over their fate than imaginable elsewhere? Masterfully probing the political dynamics behind this question, David Skeel here provides the first complete account of the remarkable journey American bankruptcy law has taken from its beginnings in 1800, when Congress lifted the country's first bankruptcy code right out of English law, to the present day.

Skeel shows that the confluence of three forces that emerged over many years--an organized creditor lobby, pro-debtor ideological currents, and an increasingly powerful bankruptcy bar--explains the distinctive contours of American bankruptcy law. Their interplay, he argues in clear, inviting prose, has seen efforts to legislate bankruptcy become a compelling battle royale between bankers and lawyers--one in which the bankers recently seem to have gained the upper hand. Skeel demonstrates, for example, that a fiercely divided bankruptcy commission and the 1994 Republican takeover of Congress have yielded the recent, ideologically charged battles over consumer bankruptcy.

The uniqueness of American bankruptcy has often been noted, but it has never been explained. As different as twenty-first century America is from the horse-and-buggy era origins of our bankruptcy laws, Skeel shows that the same political factors continue to shape our unique response to financial distress.

Customer Reviews:

A thorough, well-written history of US bankruptcy law.......2002-04-11

Mr. Skeel's book is an excellent description of the meandering history of bankruptcy legislation in the United States, linked to the conflicting reactions bankruptcy legislation has always provoked (debtors are expected to pay; but those who for, reasons beyond their control, become unable to do it, are morally entitled to relief and to a fresh start). The book's introductory chapter explains well the basic legal concepts underlying subsequent chapters and makes the book quite accesible to non-specialists. Besides factual information about legislative changes since the beginning of the XIX century - I found particularly interesting Chapter 2, on how judges created de facto a regimen akin to modern Chapter 11 to deal with bankrupt railroads-, the book frames some of those changes in terms of "public choice" theory. For instance, I found interesting Mr. Skeel's view that the conflicting preferences of the various political groups represented in Congress led to a pattern of cyclical majorities among three alternatives (i.e. a)no bankruptcy law b)strict, "complete" pro-creditor bankruptcy code, and c)lenient, "voluntary-only" pro-debtor bankruptcy legislation) which might explain the instability of US bankruptcy law up to 1898. Chapter 4, on legislative changes introduced in the 30s in the backlash against the previous excesses in Wall Street, sheds significant light on some outstanding and recently-discussed differences between US and British bond legislation (e.g. the prohibition in the US, under the 1939 Trust Indenture Act, of many "collective action clauses" allowing bondholders to accept by majority -as oppposed to unanimity- changes in the terms of the bonds). Some short passages of the book -e.g., those explaining changes in the internal pecking order within the legal professions- will appeal primarily to US practitioners and academics, not so much to a wider audience. The book covers lots of ground and is highly recommendable as written. But if Mr. Skeel were willing to expand its scope, it is easy to think of additional areas which he might usefully explore, at least briefly, in future editions (e.g.lessons from Enron's debacle; recent international debates on "collective action clauses" or even Chapter 11-like "Sovereign Debt Restructuring Mechanism" to deal with the bankruptcy of sovereign borrowers; a more detailed description of Thomas Jackson's characterization of bankruptcy as a "prisoner's dilemma" for creditors;or, finally, to highlight the relatively lenient US bankruptcy law, some passing reference to the traditional, British-style debtors' gaol so well described by Dickens and other authors).

Book Description

This detailed look at IBM’s software products for e-business enables IBM users to gain a fundamental understanding of e-business architecture, where IBM software products fit into that architecture, and where to go to get more information. The main products and platforms for development tools and components, application server software, and secure network and management software are described. This book also distinguishes between two or more IBM software products that appear to serve the same purpose but really have different applications. Key products covered include DB2, Web Sphere, Lotus Domino, and Tivoli. This replaces 1885068581.

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This detailed look at IBM's software products for e-business enables IBM users to gain a fundamental understanding of e-business architecture, where IBM software products fit into that architecture, and where to go to get more information. The main products and platforms for development tools and components, application server software, and secure network and management software are described. This book also distinguishes between two or more IBM software products that appear to serve the same purpose but really have different applications. Key products covered include DB2, Web Sphere, Lotus Domino, and Tivoli.

Customer Reviews:

great job by a great lady.......2001-07-06

Technical, easy to read, it has alot of good information. Good job.

Book Description

In A Crash Course in Finance, David Bangs and Andi Axman take the mystery and confusion out of financing your business. They teach you the financial lingo every entrepreneur needs to know to communicate with banks, venture capitalists, angels, and other financial sources. They show you the critical role finance plays at every stage of your business - from getting started through getting funded to growing and thriving. In A Crash Course In Finance, you'll quickly and painlessly learn:

Where you can find and get financing

How to understand cash flow and balance sheets

Why you need to prioritize your money

How to use the Internet to find and get money

And much more!

Book Description

Legally Speaking arms attorneys with techniques that will improve any presentation--in the courtroom, the boardroom, or the convention hall.

Legally Speaking illustrates how to
--master stage fright
--analyze audience members and adapt a presentation to reach them
--write a powerful presentation
--utilize pauses, gestures, vocal power, and eye contact to maximize the impact of any message
--intensify the power of a presentation with effective visual aids
--capitalize on stories and quotations to make points memorable

A comprehensive guidebook, Legally Speaking provides an extensive bibliography of books, Web sites, and other sources of material essential to an effective presentation. All the critical steps to building and delivering a dynamic presentation are shared through Dempsey's personal anecdotes and engaging style.

Dempsey's straightforward blend of expert advice and real-world stories offers busy attorneys proven ways to increase their effectiveness in front of every audience.

Customer Reviews:

Persuasive advice for lawyers.......2003-04-02

In Legally Speaking, Mr. Dempsey has created an invaluable guide for lawyers, and I suspect non-lawyers, who need to make presentations to small or large groups. His observations about the art of persuasion are both amusing and insightful. As Dempsey makes clear, talking is not the same as presenting. His focus on "making your case" gets right to the heart of what lawyers do for their clients. Dempsey really wants you to win your audience over and tells you quite clearly how to achieve that goal. Dempsey's comprehensive approach (40 principles!), covers every aspect of lawyers' presentation skills, but still leaves you with one unanswered question: "Can you do a book for non-lawyers?"

A Must Have Book!.......2003-02-26

Where was this book when I was in law school? This is an exceptional overview of not only the tools but also the techniques attorneys so desperately need to communicate clearly. Dempsey not only tells you what you need to know to communicate concisely and with clarity (something far too few attorneys do) but he gives you practical advice you can immediately implement to enhance your speaking skills, regardless of the amount of speaking you do, or where you do it. The writing is engaging, entertaining and highly informative. There are hundreds of ideas and examples for every attorney. This should be required reading in for every law student and lawyer regardless of how often they speak-we need to do a better job and this book shows us how. This is the essential guide, written by an attorney for attorneys. Buy it now!

This book actually deserves 10 stars!.......2002-10-23

Legally Speaking is a book that is almost too good to be true. Its information for masterful presentations provides breadth, depth, and enormous practical application. What's more, it is easy to read. The book is an excellent resource for anyone who needs to be a more effective communicator. David Dempsey has done an excellent job of laying out his outline in the contents. It is very easy to quickly turn to the information that is most needed in a given moment.
Time after time, we hear popular voices, celebrity voices, and our own voices saying that speaking is an unresolved fear. David Dempsey provides such useful, detailed information and sincere encouragement through his anecdotes that readers will be looking forward to their next opportunity to speak. This book isn't an expense; its an invaluable investment.

The Only Presentation Skills Book You'll Ever Need.......2002-10-10

The only thing I don't like about "Legally Speaking: 40 Powerful Presentation Principles Lawyers Need to Know" is that I didn't write it. I count it among the top five reference books I own. Don't be fooled by the title: this book isn't just for lawyers - it's for anyone who wants to be a better presenter. It is tightly written, yet packed with helpful tips on everything from how to organize a speech, to how to master a Q&A session, to how to gesture with conviction, to how to use your voice and everything in between. Whether you're preparing your first speech or about to deliver the one that can change your life, this book will help ensure you do it right. The format is perfect for quick reference. Dempsey effectively uses bullets, short sentences, summaries and a killer index to help you find exactly what you need, especially if you're in a hurry. My copy is already dog-eared and I've been speaking professionally for years! As an added bonus, Dempsey is a terrific storyteller and isn't shy about exposing the mistakes he has made along the way to becoming a great speaker. I've had the opportunity to hear him speak, so I know he practices what he preaches. There's a lot to learn from this author!

Legally Speaking: 40 Powerful Presentation Principles Lawyers Need to Know.(Book Review): An article from: Trial

Average customer rating:

Legally Speaking: 40 Powerful Presentation Principles Lawyers Need to Know.(Book Review): An article from: Trial
Phillip H. Miller
Manufacturer: Association of Trial Lawyers of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Trial, published by Association of Trial Lawyers of America on March 1, 2003. The length of the article is 803 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Legally Speaking: 40 Powerful Presentation Principles Lawyers Need to Know.(Book Review)
Author: Phillip H. Miller
Publication: Trial (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 1, 2003
Publisher: Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Volume: 39 Issue: 3 Page: 68(1)

Article Type: Book Review

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Legally Speaking: 40 Powerful Presentation Principles Lawyers Need to Know

Average customer rating:

Legally Speaking: 40 Powerful Presentation Principles Lawyers Need to Know
David J. Dempsey
Manufacturer: Miranda Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000QY84BM

Customer Reviews:

So so.......2006-07-14

I really expected more out of this book, it was a disappointment. If you have no idea about property management then this book is probably good. If you are already in the business, it's probably not all that helpful. I expected more details and this was an overview.

Excellent Book.......2004-03-09

The book totally met my expectations. I recommend this book to anyone considering a career change to the property management field. The author did an excellant job explaining what it takes to be a property manager/portfolio manager/supervisor/leasing agent/broker and how much each makes along with job descriptions of each job title.

review.......2003-08-29

this book was very good it explained the fundamentals of how to get started in the field of real estate. it went in depth on how the system works and how to make money in real estate. it provided a good look at where real estate is today and where it will be in the future.

Real-Resumes for Real Estate & Property Management Jobs (Real-Resumes)

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Real-Resumes for Real Estate & Property Management Jobs (Real-Resumes)
Anne McKinney
Manufacturer: Prep Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Resumes | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Real Estate | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1885288468

Good underwriters missing opportunities. (Career Survey: Commercial Underwriters).(HCap Search)(underwriters): An article from: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management

Average customer rating:

Good underwriters missing opportunities. (Career Survey: Commercial Underwriters).(HCap Search)(underwriters): An article from: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management
Mark E. Ruquet
Manufacturer: The National Underwriter Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management, published by The National Underwriter Company on January 13, 2003. The length of the article is 941 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Good underwriters missing opportunities. (Career Survey: Commercial Underwriters).(HCap Search)(underwriters)
Author: Mark E. Ruquet
Publication: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 13, 2003
Publisher: The National Underwriter Company
Volume: 107 Issue: 2 Page: 12(2)

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How to Become A Mega-Producer Real Estate Agent in Five Years

Average customer rating:

How Not to Become a Mega-Producer
Great title, poor content.

How to Become A Mega-Producer Real Estate Agent in Five Years
Bob Herd
Manufacturer: South-Western Educational Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Real Estate | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Sales | Real Estate | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0324207476

Book Description

Take charge of your career and learn what it takes to truly become a Mega-Producer real estate agent - in just five years! In this book Bob Herd has compiled his 31 years of knowledge and experience in the real estate industry along with personal interviews from four mega-producing agents to offer you first-hand advice on what it takes to sell $30M to $120M of residential real estate a year. Whether you are new to the real estate business or an experienced agent that wants to take your career to a much higher level - Bob Herd gives you a working blueprint that will help guide you through a career you may have never dreamed possible.

Customer Reviews:

How Not to Become a Mega-Producer.......2006-02-02

I agree with the previous review of the "Mega-Producer" book. Wish I would have read the review before my purchase, then I would not be out the money. If your a new real estate agent looking for help to start your business (as I am) don't look in this book, it isn't there! The conversations with the "Mega-Producer" agents was boring if not down right stupid with alot of useless information, the author would have been better of summarizing these. Get another reference, this is a waste of reading time!

Great title, poor content........2004-01-07

This book is not worthy of its title. At best it gives weak examples of how a few mega producers actually made it. The interviews with the "mega producers" is horrible and in some cases contradictor to what the author is trying to teach.

Opportunities in Property Management Careers (VGM Career Horizons)

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Opportunities in Property Management Careers (VGM Career Horizons)

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000FAPVFO

Opportunities in Real Estate Careers (Opportunities in Series)

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Real Estate Careers

Opportunities in Real Estate Careers (Opportunities in Series)
Mariwyn Evans
Manufacturer: Vgm Career Horizons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Workplace | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Guides | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Real Estate | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0844264768

Book Description

Opportunities in Real Estate Careers offers you essential information about a variety of careers within real estate and includes training and education requirements, salary statistics, and professional and Internet resources.

Download Description

Customer Reviews:

Real Estate Careers.......2000-10-20

Opportunities in Real Estate is a book in which you'll find data on earnings and hours worked for various real estate professionals. The book speaks to the influence of the World Wide Web. It educates on projected growth rates for both commercial and residential real estate and how the changing population will effect trends. A great book to help determine how to get started, where to get trained, and what to expect on the job.

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Journal of Southern History, published by Southern Historical Association on November 1, 2001. The length of the article is 3236 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Book notes.(Brief Article)
Publication: Journal of Southern History (Refereed)
Date: November 1, 2001
Publisher: Southern Historical Association
Volume: 67 Issue: 4 Page: 916(6)

Article Type: Book Review, Brief Article

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