NCJ Number
64653
Journal
US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT Volume: 74 Dated: (JUNE 4, 1973) Pages: 20,22-23
Date Published
1973
Length
3 pages
Annotation
NUMEROUS CASES OF POLITICAL CORRUPTION FOR PERSONAL GAIN AT FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEVELS ARE DESCRIBED TO EXPLAIN THE GROWING PUBLIC DISTRUST OF POLITICIANS IN GENERAL.
Abstract
A BROAD SURVEY BY U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT INDICATES A GROWING PUBLIC CYNICISM ABOUT POLITICIANS. THE WATERGATE AFFAIR, CRIMINAL CASES INVOLVING PUBLIC OFFICIALS IN BIG CITIES AND IN STATE GOVERNMENTS, AND CASES INVOLVING FEDERAL OFFICIALS HAVE ALL FUELED THIS CYNICISM. IN 1972, SEVERAL FORMER CONGRESSMEN PLEADED GUILTY TO OR WERE CONVICTED OF ACCEPTING ILLEGAL GRATUITIES WHILE IN OFFICE, TAKING BRIBES, OR EVADING TAXES. ALTHOUGH SOME EXPERTS BELIEVE THAT THE CRIME RATE IN GOVERNMENT IS REASONABLY SMALL, CRIME BY POLITICIANS IS NOW SURFACING BECAUSE OF GREATER ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS. RECENT SCANDALS HAVE INVOLVED A FORMER ILLINOIS GOVERNOR, A NEW YORK CITY DISTRICT ATTORNEY, AND A NEW YORK CITY MAYORAL CANDIDATE. THREE NEW JERSEY POLITICIANS HAVE BEEN INDICTED OR CONVICTED ON CONTRACT-FIXING CHARGES. IN OTHER STATES, LEGISLATIVE, EXECUTIVE, AND JUDICIAL OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN INDICTED FOR BRIBERY AND CONSPIRACY. STUDIES OF MISCONDUCT SHOW THAT VENALITY RANGES FROM PETTY ACTIONS TO MAJOR PLUNDERING OF PUBLIC FUNDS. ABUSES INCLUDE RIGGED TAX ASSESSEMENTS, DIVERSION OF CITY FUNDS TO REAL ESTATE SPECULATION, VOTING FRAUDS, SALE OF TAX DELINQUENT LANDS TO POLITICAL CRONIES AT BARGAIN PRICES, AND DISGUISING OF PLEASURE TRIPS AS OFFICIAL TRAVEL. TO COMBAT CORRUPTION, CONGRESS HAS PASSED LAWS TO CURB ABUSES IN CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES AND TO GRANT IMMUNITY TO THOSE TESTIFYING ABOUT CORRUPT PRACTICES. CANONS OF ETHICS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR FEDERAL JUDGES. LEAA HELPS FINANCE STATE CRIME FIGHTING AGENCIES IN THEIR WAR AGAINST CORRUPTION. OTHER LEGISLATION BEING PROPOSED WOULD REQUIRE FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE BY OFFICEHOLDERS AND PROHIBIT DIRECT CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS FROM LOBBYISTS. PHOTOGRAPHS OF OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN SCANDALS ARE INCLUDED. (CFW)