Franklin Ohio Jury Instruction — 1.9.5.1 Corporation As Alter Ego Of Stockholder When it comes to corporate law, the concept of "corporation as alter ego of stockholder" holds significant importance. Franklin, Ohio Jury Instruction 1.9.5.1 delves into the details of this legal doctrine, aiming to provide clarity on how corporations can be treated as the alter ego of their stockholders in certain circumstances. In essence, this jury instruction refers to situations where a corporation and its stockholder(s) are so intertwined that treating them as separate legal entities would result in an injustice or an evasion of legal obligations. Such circumstances arise when the corporation is being used as a mere instrumentality or facade by the stockholder(s) for their own personal gain or to unjustly escape liability. Outlined below are two different types of scenarios where the concept of "corporation as alter ego of stockholder" may apply: 1. Piercing the Corporate Veil: This type of application occurs when a court disregards the limited liability protection typically afforded to a corporation and holds the stockholder(s) personally liable for the corporation's actions or debts. It can be invoked if the corporation is found to be a mere sham or a tool manipulated by the stockholder(s) to commit fraud, injustice, or other illegal activities. 2. Reverse Piercing of the Corporate Veil: In certain cases, a court may apply this doctrine to pursue the corporation's assets to satisfy the personal liabilities of a stockholder(s). This occurs when a stockholder(s) is found to be unjustly shielding their personal assets by transferring them to a corporation for the primary purpose of avoiding individual indebtedness or legal responsibilities. The Franklin, Ohio Jury Instruction 1.9.5.1 serves as a comprehensive guide for juries dealing with cases involving the corporation as alter ego doctrine. It highlights the factors that need to be considered when determining whether the corporate veil should be pierced or reversed, such as the presence of extensive control by the stockholder(s) over the corporation, absence of corporate formalities, commingling of funds, and the existence of fraudulent intent. Understanding this instruction is crucial when handling legal matters where the corporate structure may be misused for personal gain or to shield individuals from liability. By closely examining the relationship between a corporation and its stockholder(s), juries can ensure fair and just outcomes in legal disputes.