The paper I am going to read is a study in comparative jurisprudence. I propose to examine some aspects of Company Law, and especially of the law relating to companies limited by shares. From the many differences existing between French and English Law on this matter, I have selected several points, in the setting up as well as in the management and administration of such companies, which seem typical to me. These are as follows:—

As regards the setting up of companies, I have thought it would be interesting to compare how French and English Law deal with:—

(A) The subscription of share capital;

(B) the prospectus or the other documents designed to serve the same purpose;

(C) the part played by the statutory meeting.

As regards the management and administration, I have chosen to examine:

(D) The powers of directors, and how they are restricted in England according to the doctrine of ultra vires, as compared with the French system of legal personality;

(E) the audit and inspection of companies.