White-collar crime is a term that has existed since 1939 when it was introduced by Edwin Sutherland during his speech to the American Sociological Society. In the speech, he defined white-collar crime as an offense committed by an individual of high social status and respectability in the course of his/her occupation. These crimes also refer to financially motivated non-violent offenses carried out by governmental and business professionals. Despite the disagreements on what constitutes white-collar crime, the term has widely been used to incorporate various types of non-violent offenses that are conducted in commercial situations for a person's or an organization's financial gain. Law enforcement agencies have experienced numerous challenges in investigating and preventing most of these crimes since offenders use sophisticated methods to cover their activities through a range of complex dealings and transactions. Some of the most common types of white-collar crimes include ponzi schemes, bait and switch, charity-based fraud, and telemarketing fraud.
Types of White-Collar Crimes:
As previously mentioned, white-collar crime encompasses several types of non-violent offenses conducted by business and government professionals for financial gains. The differences in the types of white-collar crimes are fueled by differences in the means used to carry out the illegal activities and the series of complex dealings and transactions involved in the process. Moreover, these offenses differ because of the general classification of crimes by modern criminology based on the kind of offense, type of offender, and organizational culture where the crime takes place.
One of the most common types of white-collar crime is bait and switch, which is primarily an illegal sales tactic that is punishable as false advertising (Root III, n.d.). This crime can also be regarded as an attempt by a business or organization to systematically deceive its customers through breach of contract, false advertising, and deceit in sales. While such practice is prohibited, it is a common practice in the modern business world. Actually, bait and switch is found in virtually any advertising circular in various industries including automobile retailers and major department stores. Perpetrators of this crime...
White Collar Crime Theories, Laws and Processes Explain white collar crime in terms of various theories related to criminology and crime. A white collar crime is an illegal and unethical act that violates public trust (Friedrichs, 2010). Common examples include misrepresentation, stealing, misappropriation, self-dealing, and corruption (Echols & Richardson, 2011). Most are crimes of opportunity and hold similar characteristics to corporate crime -- fraud, insider trading and other illegal acts of a
White Collar Crime Theoretical Perspectives of Criminal Behavior Three broad theoretical models of criminal behavior have historically prevailed. These models include psychological models of criminality, sociological models of criminality, and biologically -- based models of criminal behavior. Each of these models suggests different ideologies and different methods of control for criminal behavior; however, there is quite a bit of overlap in each one. Psychological Theories of Criminal Behavior Psychology is a broad discipline that
In an environment where violent crimes outweigh white-collar crimes, the prosecutor will allocate his resources to fighting violent crimes. Resource availability thus determines how many cases will be pursued by the prosecutor's office. The prosecutor may also evaluate the type of crime affecting an area. This will enable the office to pursue a tougher sentence for the crimes in the area. The increase in white-collar crimes has forced the
White-Collar Crime and Public Order Crime The objective of this study is to distinguish between white-collar crime and public order crime. The differences will be explained between the two crimes. As well, two statutes and two cases will be located with one statute and case illustrating white-collar crime and one case and statute illustrating public order crime. The cases and statutes will be summarized noting the elements of the crimes and
White Collar Crimes Supervisor: (Insert) The paper focuses on specific aspects of white collar crime. The paper primarily focuses on answering two questions directly related to white collar crime. The first question is a comparative analysis focusing on the laws on white collar crime within the United States and other countries. The question also analyzes the extent of operative power to counter the white collar crimes and strictly apply the laws and
White Collar Crime: Identifying Valid Deterrents for White Collar Criminals Recent studies suggest that white collar crime is on the rise (Chayet, Waring & Weisburg, 2001; Recine, 2002). Many stereotypical beliefs regarding white collar criminals have been debunked over time as researchers start understanding what white collar crime is and who it effects. White collar crime affects all communities regardless of affluence, demographics, social factors or other considerations. White collar crime comes
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