What Are the Implications of Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum?

This article examines analyzes the effect of Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum on corporate liability under the Alien Tort Statute (ATS). The authors explain the ATS, providing historical context. The article describes the facts of Kiobel and analyzes whether the jurisdiction granted by the ATS extends to civil actions brought against corporations under the law of nations. It sets forth what this case means to multi-national corporations and reviews the relevant legal trends.