Which of the following is formed under common law principles for religious purposes and may not register as a real estate brokerage corporation?

• A. Corporation Sole
• B. Nonprofit Corporation
• C. Public Corporation
• D. Professional Corporation

Answer: (A)

Corporation Sole is a special form used by religious organizations to hold property and conduct church affairs under traditional common law. It isn’t a stock-based, business-oriented structure and doesn’t operate like a typical corporate entity formed under statute for commerce. Because its purpose is religious and its governance is centered on a single religious leader rather than a standard corporate board, it isn’t eligible to register as a real estate brokerage corporation, which must be established under state corporate statutes to conduct brokerage activities and appoint a licensed broker.

The other options don’t fit this religious, common-law form: nonprofit corporations are statute-based and can serve religious or charitable purposes but aren’t the same common-law structure used for church property; public corporations are government-related entities; professional corporations are designed for licensed professionals to practice their craft under statute. The description points to Corporation Sole as the entity formed for religious purposes under common law.