Abuse of Power as a Criminal Activity - Toward an Understanding of the Behavior and Methods for Its Control (From On White-Collar Crime, P 125-144, 1982, by Gilbert Geis - See NCJ-88294)

• NCJ Number: 88295
• Author(s): R F Meier; G Geis
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 20 pages
• Sale Source: D C Heath and Co
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper explores some characteristics of the abuse of power and discusses how to contain such abuses.

Abstract

Some criminologists theorize that power will not be abused, at least in fiscal terms, if powerful persons are rich enough not to need the extra funds. However, it may be that the abuse or power can only be controlled when those who possess power have been trained or have internalized moral imperatives that make the exploitation of others distasteful. Abuses of power may not be controllable by means of deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, or even punishment, but most agree that these crimes should not be encouraged. Failure to apply criminal sanctions can be interpreted as official indifference and can reinforce attitudes that permit or encourage abuses or power. Thus, it may be socially desirable to punish such offenses severely. If a criminal conviction cannot be obtained, civil penalties should be employed. Sanctions should be employed regardless of their preventive results since such sanctions are justified on the basis on their long-term educative effects, both of the offenders and the public. Reference notes are appended.