ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Corporate liability

Corporate liability is like when you're playing with your friends and you accidentally break something. When that happens, your parents might make you say sorry and make it right by buying a new toy, right?

Well, imagine that the company you work for is like a big grown up. Just like how you have to take responsibility for your actions, big companies have to take responsibility for the actions of their employees, too.

For example, if someone who works for the company does something wrong or illegal, like cheating customers or polluting the environment, the company might get in trouble. Just like how you might get in trouble if you disobey your parents.

Sometimes, the company might have to pay a big fine or even go to court so they can make things right for the people they hurt. But just like how your parents can help you learn from your mistakes so you don't make them again, companies use these consequences to make sure they follow the rules and do things the right way in the future.