NCJ Number
66489
Journal
American Criminal Law Review Volume: 17 Issue: 3 Dated: (WINTER 1980) Pages: 287-300
Date Published
1980
Length
14 pages
Annotation
THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF CORPORATE CRIME, THE INADEQUACIES OF THE CURRENT ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS, AND CURRENT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS SUBMITTED BY THE HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE ON CRIME ARE DISCUSSED.
Abstract
THE 1978 HEARINGS OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON CRIME ESTABLISHED FOR THE PUBLIC RECORD THE DEFINITION, NATURE, CAUSE, EXTENT, AND SOCIOECONOMIC COSTS OF WHITE-COLLAR CRIME. FURTHER, THE HEARING CONFIRMED THAT THE FEDERAL RESPONSE TO WHITE-COLLAR CRIME HAS BEEN INADEQUATE. DURING 1979, THE SUBCOMMITTEE HELD HEARINGS ON H.R. 4973, A BILL DESIGNED TO IMPOSE CRIMINAL LIABILITY ON CORPORATIONS AND CORPORATE OFFICIALS WHO KNOWINGLY COVER UP SERIOUS AND HARMFUL DEFECTS IN PRODUCTS AND BUSINESS PRACTICES. IT FURTHER IMPOSES A DUTY TO DISCLOSE SERIOUS DANGERS TO APPROPRIATE GOVERMENT AGENCIES AND THE EMPLOYEES OF THE INVOLVED BUSINESS PUBLIC CONCERN OVER SUCH CASES AS THE DUMPING OF TOXIC CHEMICALS AT LOVE CANAL IN NEW YORK, CALIFORNIA WATER-WELL POISONINGS, THE ASBESTOS CASES, AND THE FORD PINTO EXPLODING GAS TANK HAVE SPURRED SUPPORT FOR SUCH LEGISLATION. TESTIMONY WAS ALSO TAKEN ON LEAA AND THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT USAGE OF RESOURCES FOR ISSUES OF WHITE-COLLAR CRIME. INVESTIGATIVE HEARINGS HAVE ALSO BEEN CONDUCTED ON WHITE-COLLAR CRIME IN THE OIL INDUSTRY. HOPES ARE HIGH FOR THE PASSAGE OF SOME VERSION OF H.R. 4973, AND PLANS ARE UNDERWAY TO INCREASE THE RESOURCES FOR ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS BEARING UPON VARIOUS WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES. FOOTNOTES ARE PROVIDED. (RCB)