Understanding the Seriousness of Corporate Crime: Some Lessons for the New 'Corporate Manslaughter' Offence

• NCJ Number: 227370
• Journal: Criminology & Criminal Justice Volume: 9 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2009 Pages: 145-164
• Author(s): Paul Almond
• Date Published: May 2009
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This review of the literature on public perceptions of the seriousness of corporate crime in the United Kingdom particularly health and safety offenses, draws lessons and raises questions about the United Kingdom's new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.

Abstract

The literature on public perceptions of crime seriousness has developed in scope and sophistication over time and makes a significant contribution to knowledge about the interface between law and public opinion. The value of such research is its ability to provide evidence needed to align the law and its enforcement priorities with normative public values. In the context of work-related fatality cases, such research can enhance suggestions for future policy decisions regarding the corporate manslaughter offense. The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 for England and Wales represents a notable shift in the way the criminal law responds to and categorizes cases in which the activities of a corporate body cause the death of a worker or member of the public. The new law intends to "properly reflect the gravity and seriousness" of work-related fatality cases (Home Office, 2005). An evaluation of the available evidence regarding public attitudes toward work-related fatality cases provides the opportunity to assess whether the legal reform process reflects public concerns. Based on this literature review of relevant research, this article concludes there is a need for more qualitative empirical research that provides convincing and more detailed evidence as to the depth of public concern about work-fatality cases. Questions that should be answered by such research include the identification of those work-related fatality cases that the public views as most serious and why, as well as whether these are the cases that are treated as most serious by the new law. 1 table, 6 notes, and 60 references