The Master-Servant Doctrine - by Elizabeth Chika Tippett

Book Synopsis

The field of employment law used to be called "master-servant law." Even if this term has fallen out of favor, a central truth has not changed: modern employment law still draws on centuries-old ideas about the rights and obligations of workers. In The Master-Servant Doctrine, Elizabeth Chika Tippett combines historical context with contemporary case studies and interviews to reveal how modern law and management practices are steeped in three core master-servant principles: the right to control, the right to govern, and the duty of support. With each chapter tackling a different aspect of the workplace--including pay, time management, firing, and benefits--this startling and original story of employment law offers fresh insights for legal scholars, historians, attorneys, advocates, and anyone who's ever worked a terrible job.

From the Back Cover

"In this important and compelling account, Elizabeth Chika Tippett demonstrates that the basic fundamentals--and, indeed, the crucial details--of relationships between employees and employers rest on concepts embedded in the master-servant system of slavery. There is so much here, so carefully and clearly presented, that clarifies persistent injustice."--Nell Irvin Painter, New York Times-bestselling author of The History of White People

"This extraordinarily incisive book from a leading work-law scholar illuminates the ongoing relevance of the complicated history of master-servant doctrine and slavery. A must-read for anyone interested in contemporary employment relations and labor markets as well as the fascinating and fraught past that continues to shape our work lives."--Orly Lobel, author of The Equality Machine: Harnessing Digital Technology for a Brighter, More Inclusive Future

About the Author

Elizabeth Chika Tippett is Professor of Law at the University of Oregon School of Law.