• Sutherland’s Definition
– Coined “white collar crime”
– People of “status” in course of “occupation”
• Types of White collar crime
– Corporate crime
– Government crime
– Occupational Crime
– Organized crime

• Have we covered any theories that can explain something like corporate crime?
– Why do millionaires break the law to get more money?

• W.C.C. as “learned behavior”
– Learn “rationalizations” and techniques
– Not really “crime” but crafty business techniques
• “Bait and Switch”
• “Price Fixing”
– “Corporate Culture”

• The benefit ($) outweighs the cost (CJS penalties)
• The “risk” of getting caught is relatively low
(low certainty)

• The “American Dream Ethos”
– Monetary success is unlimited
– All pressured to get “MORE”

• Desire for quick certain benefit with minimal effort
• W.C.C. as “rare” because most business executives have high self-control

Theories not well equipped to explain WCC?
• Merton (goals and means)
– Most have “means” to achieve legitimately
• Informal Social Control
– Most have much to “risk” should they get caught

• Compliance Strategies
– Create environment where compliance is rewarded ($ incentives)
– Internal audits, insurance industry as watchdog, whistle-blowers hotline
– Administrative Oversight
• Securities and Exchange Commission

• Deterrence—criminal penalties
– Assumption made: criminal behavior is rational (WCC vs. “street crimes”
– Criminal punishment rare—usually punish the more powerless businesses
– Not “real criminals” don’t deserve prison
– Most cases heard in civil court
• CONFLICT THEORY!!!!!!

• Is there really a “mafia?”
– Myth created by media and a few felons or truth?
– How “organized” is organized crime?
• Is the “mafia” on the decline?
– RICO enforcement
– The “geritol gang”
– Infusion of street gangs and different ethnic groups

• Crimes committed by people of lower status as part of their occupation
– Steal from work (property, $)
– Tax evasion