1. Discuss the key elements of identifying white-collar crimes. Next, determine
ID: 458226 • Letter: 1
Question
1. Discuss the key elements of identifying white-collar crimes. Next, determine at least two (2) federal criminal statutes that government agencies commonly use to convict white-collar criminals, and specify the main reasons why government agencies commonly use the statutes in question. Justify your response.
2. Define the key difference between the crime of bribery and the crime of extortion, based on the federal bribery and extortion statutes. Next, specify the necessity of defining the difference that you have defined. Justify your response
Explanation / Answer
When explaining the difference between bribery and extortion, I tell you to imagine the following scenario: "A man is pulled over by a State Trooper for driving 100 miles per hour. As the Trooper approaches and asks for his wallet, the man pulls out a $100 bill and says 'I bet you $100 that you're going to give me a ticket.' The Trooper smiles, takes the bill, and says 'Nope, you're wrong.'"
After students correctly conclude that the above scenario constitutes bribery, I give them this scenario: "A different man is pulled over by a State Trooper for driving 100 miles per hour. As he approaches the vehicle and asks for the man's wallet, the Trooper looks at him and says 'I bet you $100 that you're not going to get a ticket today.' The driver smiles, takes out a bill, and says 'I'll take that bet.' The Trooper takes the bill, says 'Sorry, you lose,' and walks away."
That second scenario is extortion - as opposed to bribery - because the communication was initiated by the officer and because it contained an implicit threat. Knowing this distinction is important for criminology students. It is also important for political science students as it helps foster a greater understanding of how Washington lawmaking really works. This reality is in stark contrast to the popular image conveyed by politicians and echoed in the popular press.
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