NCJ Number
80538
Date Published
1979
Length
196 pages
Annotation
The origins and character of India's socioeconomic crime -- crime committed by the middle and upper classes in the course of their occupations -- are discussed, and strategies for combating this type of crime are suggested.
Abstract
The growth in socioeconomic crime is traced to the materialism and business competitiveness fostered by industrialization, coupled with a decline in the influence of religious ethics that demand material accomplishments while emphasizing honest and fair dealings with others. These factors influenced India after World War II, and India's criminal jurisprudence had limited opportunity to shape itself to counter the growing tide of socioeconomic crime. Currently, there are elements of a new criminal jurisprudence evidenced in legislation intended to regulate and control socioeconomic crime. This includes treating socioeconomic crimes as having strict liability, with curtailment or abandonment of the necessity to prove intent. Further, vicarious criminal liability, which involves the liability of a principal for the acts of its agents, is being increasingly recognized. Sentencing for socioeconomic crimes is also becoming more severe, including mandatory minimum imprisonment, large fines, and the confiscation of goods and property. In addition to providing stronger deterrent elements for socioeconomic crime through more effective law enforcement, prosecution, and sentencing, the stigma attached to socioeconomic crime should be increased by raising the social consciousness against such crime through increased publicity about the trials and convictions of those accused of such crimes. Types of socioeconomic crimes committed in India are described. A bibliography has 25 listings, and a subject index is provided. Footnotes are provided.