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Proposal For A Model Name Act, Ellen Jean Dannin

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

This note will discuss the common law of names relating to such issues as identity, contract, civil procedure, and criminal procedure, as well as discussing common law and statutory change of name methods. The failure of some courts to apply the existing law of names in a manner consistent with the state interest in record keeping and the personal interest in freedom of expression will be reviewed. Finally, a model act will be proposed attempting to reconcile and promote these interests.