"The 13th Amendment freed all the slaves."

Excepted are those convicted of a crime, whom are held as slaves in captivity by American governments during their terms of imprisonment.

You have well characterized the legal environment ownership flounders in today in the USA (probably most places, but I am unfamiliar with the laws of most places, so can't say with certainty).

However, I have incorporated in the USA and have found it much easier, and far less expensive, to do so without involving lawyers. Lawyers, being paid exorbitant sums per hour, IME tend to pad their paychecks by playing stupid and writing things wrongly. I have spent $T's on lawyers to have them draft contracts, charters, and such, and have almost always ended up scrapping whatever slop they produce and writing my own. None of that matters except as such things may be required by law, as I am so averse to systemic bullying - which is what court really is - that I would rather chew off one of my toes than be involved in court proceedings again.

In the unhappy event your corporation ends up in the courts, that's when you will need liars... er, lawyers.

Thanks!

Edit: I forgot that recently the State of Oregon has eliminated the exception to the ban on slavery for it's captives, whom are no longer considered slaves officially. AFAIK, it is the only US state to do so.