NCJ Number
117683
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 29 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1989) Pages: 157-174
Date Published
1989
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This paper refutes the traditional image of white-collar crime as crimes of the powerful associated with high status and respectable offenders.
Abstract
An examination of one group of white collar offenses reveals that offenders were typically small businesses, employees, and those more properly described as criminal businesses. The nature of each major offense is discussed followed by an analysis of the characteristics of offenders. Particularly noticeable in the findings is the absence of the expected corporate offenders. While this could be attributed to the immunity of the corporate offender from prosecution, it can be argued that the patterns of offending reflect not only enforcement policies but also structural and market factors. It is suggested that analyses of white-collar crime must take into account the complexities of these factors as they affect different groups of offenders. 2 tables and 50 references. (Author abstract modified)