NCJ Number
72795
Date Published
1980
Length
206 pages
Annotation
Based on the premise that there is a continuum from definitely illegal to definitely legal conduct, this book explores theoretical issues of white-collar crime and economic special-opportunity conduct in government, business, and everyday life.
Abstract
The origin and the semantic concepts of white-collar crime are explored, and some general juridical questions related to crime are analyzed. Next, the question of the penal or civil liability of corporations is discussed. The book describes the role of opportunity as a causative factor in influencing events and situations and discusses the concepts of special opportunity, motivation, and motive of action as a basis for the term economic special-opportunity conduct (ESOC). This term describes a situation in which a perpetrator takes advantage of extraordinary circumstances in performing his wrongful deed, and it encompasses more than violations of penal-law rules. ESOC is described in legal and illegal actions and in relation to general principles of morality. Other sections of the book discuss ESOC and its relationship to government, the Presidency, Congress, State and local government, and the administration of justice. ESOC in churches, health services, business, and everyday life is also explored, as are the statistics and costs of ESOC violations both in the U.S. and in socialist countries. Numerous examples of ESOC are presented for each of these categories. The conclusion is that, although there are no easy solutions to ESOC and ESOC crimes, an intensified control of these practices should not be abandoned. Further, self-reform is seen as an important goal, even as necessary as reforming representatives of model societal groups. Tabular data, chapter notes, and an index are provided.