CRL - How Crime Impacts Business (Lesson)

Introduction

Much of the most complex and high profile types of criminal activity and cases take place in the business environments. Just like people, businesses are subject to general criminal law. Offenses committed in the business world are referred to as white-collar crimes. In this lesson, we will focus on these types of business-related crimes and on how businesses and individuals are impacted by these crimes.

Business Related Crimes

Business-related crimes, also referred to as white-collar crimes, are offenses committed in the business world. These crimes do not involve force or violence and do not cause physical injury or physical damage to property. Due to these circumstances, courts are generally more lenient with white-collar criminals. Punishments usually include fines or short prison sentences. Some examples of white-collar crimes include: not paying income taxes, stock fraud, false advertising, engaging in political corruption, just to name a few.

Review the presentation below to read about some more specific white collar crimes.

Let's Review!

Take a moment to participate in the following activity to practice your understanding of the topics in this module.  Reach out to your instructor if you have any questions.

Final Thoughts

Business-related crimes, also referred to as white-collar crimes, have become increasingly complex and involve high-profile criminal activity. In this lesson, we have reviewed only a few of the many white-collar crimes committed by individuals and major corporations in recent times – most for the sake of higher profits with little care of the employees and shareholders involved in the aftermath of the situation.

While these crimes may not involve direct force or violence, there are still negative impacts from the result of the criminal activity, oftentimes company bankruptcy, job loss for employees, profit and shareholder loss, indirect physical harm, and many other serious situations.

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