NCJ Number
186523
Date Published
2000
Length
30 pages
Annotation
State crime in France is divided into three categories: (1) State crime justified on the basis of State sovereignty, embracing State-sponsored acts of terrorism; (2) political crime, defined as illegal activities such as the fraudulent financing of political parties carried out in the name of the common good; and (3) political white collar crime, whereby State representatives abuse their positions for personal gain or act illegally through sheer incompetence.
Abstract
Following examples of State crime, the discussion turns to explanations of State crime that focus on political rivalry, decentralization in government, presidential power, the State bureaucracy, and the judiciary. State crime control is discussed with respect to anti-corruption legislation and constitutional measures. The author notes that, while certain aspects of State crime are a part of French political culture, other aspects of State crime are part of an international phenomenon since corruption scandals have occurred with increasing frequency in most western countries over the past decade. He concludes the solution to State crime control does not involve just the separation of powers or government policies but rather the extent to which popular participation in running State institutions can be maximized. 46 notes