White Collar Crime in a Nutshell

White collar crime is a broad term that encompasses a variety of criminal offenses committed by individuals or organizations in the business or financial sector. It includes mail and bank fraud, securities fraud, obstruction of justice, bribery, RICO, and computer crimes. Procedural issues such as grand jury and administrative agency investigations, self-incrimination, and parallel proceedings are also discussed. Punishment and sanctions for white collar crimes vary depending on the specific offense and the circumstances of the case.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 594 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2022
Publisher: West Academic Publishing

White-collar crime encompasses a wide range of criminal activities that are committed by individuals or organizations in a professional or business setting. These crimes are characterized by their deceitful nature and often involve complex schemes to defraud others.

The term "white-collar crime" was first coined in the 1930s by American sociologist Edwin Sutherland to describe a type of crime that was distinct from traditional street crimes. It is defined as a crime that is committed by an individual or organization in the course of their occupation or business and that involves a violation of law.

White-collar crimes can take many different forms, including mail and bank fraud, securities fraud, obstruction of justice, bribery, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), and computer crimes. These offenses are often complex and involve multiple actors, including executives, financial professionals, and computer hackers.

One of the key procedural issues in white-collar crime cases is the use of grand juries and administrative agency investigations. Grand juries are used to indict individuals for serious crimes, while administrative agency investigations are used to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. These procedures can be lengthy and complex, and they require the cooperation of law enforcement agencies and the defense.

Self-incrimination is another important procedural issue in white-collar crime cases. Individuals may be compelled to testify against themselves or provide information that could incriminate them. This can be a difficult decision for individuals to make, as it can lead to criminal charges and imprisonment.

Parallel proceedings are also a common feature of white-collar crime cases. This refers to the use of multiple courts or jurisdictions to prosecute the same offense. This can be necessary to ensure that all parties involved in the crime are held accountable and to prevent the abuse of prosecutorial discretion.

Punishment and sanctions for white-collar crimes are also an important consideration. These crimes can result in significant financial losses for individuals and organizations, as well as criminal penalties. In some cases, individuals may be required to pay restitution to their victims or may be sentenced to prison time.

In conclusion, white-collar crime is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address. It involves a wide range of criminal activities that are committed by individuals or organizations in a professional or business setting. The use of grand juries and administrative agency investigations, self-incrimination, parallel proceedings, and punishment and sanctions are all important procedural issues in these cases.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 187 x 124 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647082864
Edition number: 6 Revised edition