Extract/Description | White collar crime is corporate crime. It involves crimes committed by the professional class such as board members, chief executive officers, executives, professionals and office
workers. White collar crime can extend to a business entity itself. It was first defined by sociologist Edwin Sutherland (1940) as ‘a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of their occupation’. |
Key Points | - While white collar crime has been around for a long time, it was in the late 20th century that it became a concern for law enforcement. The rise of large corporations and the increasing complexity of financial transactions made it easier for white collar criminals to commit large scale crimes.
- White collar crime is often seen as not having victims, but in reality, white collar crime can have more victims than blue collar crime. White collar crimes cost society more than all blue collar crimes combined.
- In recent years, there has been more awareness of white-collar crime impact on society. While enforcement efforts have increased, it seems few alleged white collar criminals are convicted and fewer go to prison.
|
