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Do constructive trusts deter disloyalty?

Hicks, Andrew D

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Dr Andrew Hicks A.D.Hicks@hull.ac.uk
Lecturer and Transforming Programmes Lead



Abstract

Constructive trusts of disloyal fiduciary gain often are justified by the argument of deterrence. For there to be effective deterrence two conditions must be satisfied: first, potentially disloyal fiduciaries must be sufficiently informed, directly or indirectly, of the properties of the constructive trust; secondly, fiduciaries must respond by accurately weighing the costs/benefits of disloyalty and other options before choosing the option that maximises their self-interest. Typically one or both of these conditions will not be satisfied. Drawing upon insights from the behavioural sciences we find that fiduciaries contemplating disloyalty generally cannot be expected to be cognizant of the properties of the constructive trust therefore cannot be influenced by them. Even when known, such properties will not necessarily influence fiduciary behaviour due to the way well-informed fiduciaries are likely to perceive and process the risk their disloyalty will be detected. The deterrence gains generated by the recognition of a constructive trust therefore are likely to be negligible.

Citation

Hicks, A. D. (2018). Do constructive trusts deter disloyalty?. Northern Ireland Legal Quarterly, 69(2), 147-173

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date May 4, 2018
Online Publication Date Jun 8, 2018
Publication Date 2018-06
Deposit Date May 10, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Print ISSN 0029-3105
Publisher Queen's University Belfast, School of Law
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 69
Issue 2
Pages 147-173
Series ISSN 0029-3105
Keywords Constructive trusts; Fiduciary loyalty; Deterrence; Behavioural economics
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/825006
Publisher URL https://nilq.qub.ac.uk/index.php/nilq/article/view/90

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