Law Commons^™

The Private Action Against A Securities Fraud Aider And Abettor: Silent And Inactive Conduct, Clyde A. Billings, Jr.

Vanderbilt Law Review

This Note will examine the origins of the aiding and abetting cause of action and the development of a theory of liability based solely upon passive conduct. After an examination of the elements of the cause of action and defenses, a proposed definition of "aiding and abetting" will be offered. The effect of the recent Supreme Court decision Ernst & Ernst v. Hochfelder upon aiding and abetting liability, the scienter requirement, and the duties owed by potential aiders and abettors will be discussed. Treatment of aiding and abetting by the Federal Securities Code 19 also is mentioned.