NCJ Number
91976
Date Published
1983
Length
217 pages
Annotation
The unexpurgated original version of Sutherland's classic work on white-collar crime presents an analysis of the misdeeds of 70 of America's largest corporations and their executives. First published in 1949, this new edition contains all the names and other identifying descriptions of the corporations and officials involved in illegal activity.
Abstract
The first source of the term 'white-collar crime,' this analysis presents statistical records showing decisions of courts and administrative commissions against the 70 largest manufacturing, mining, and mercantile corporations in America, based on lists compiled in 1929 and 1938. The analysis covers the life careers of the 70 corporations. It is concerned with violations of laws in the following categories: restraint of trade; misrepresentation in advertising; infringement of patents, trademarks, and copyrights; 'unfair labor practices' as defined by the National Labor Relations Board; rebates; financial fraud and violation of trust; violations of war regulations; and some miscellaneous offenses. The total number of decisions is 980, and the average per corporation is 14. Three corporations were selected for detailed case histories: American Smelting and Refining Company, U.S. Rubber Company, and Pittsburgh Coal Company. The text examines each of the violations in relation to the activities of the 70 corporations. In addition, the records of 15 power and light companies are reviewed for violations for a period up to 1940 -- especially defrauding consumers and investors. A final section considers white-collar crime as organized crime, presents a theory of white-collar crime, and notes variations in the crimes of corporations. Extensive chapter notes, footnotes, tables, and an index are provided. A new introductory section reviews Sutherland's life and places his work in historical context.