White Collar and Political Crimes

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Dear Student,
As promised, your full solution is presented below and attached as a wordfile for easy printing. It is divided into 3 parts, the first one dientifying the problem, the second identifying concepts & definitions that will affect the analysis and the third part is the analysis of the problem according to the definitions tackled in part 2. Please take note of sample cases indicated - this will give you guidance in terms of identifying similar situations for precedents. Thank you for your patience. good luck!

Sincerely,
OTA 105878/Xenia Jones
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White Collar & Political Crimes

Part 1: The Problem

The Farm Workers Union alleges that each year, thousands of farm workers who are exposed to pesticides in the farms where they are employed get sick. The exposure causes varied illnesses that range from mild to severe. The exposure to the dangerous pesticides occurs when the workers are working in the fields as helicopters spray pesticides from the air in nearby fields. They allege that the industry is aware of the practice & its dangers but are not doing anything to combat it & alleviate the farm workers' conditions. It also appears that the government considers the problem of pesticide drift statistically small compared to the total amount of pesticide applications. The Union is frustrated and unhappy at the apparent collusion between government & the industry.

Part 2: Definitions & Related Concepts

Before we start giving an analysis re: the case above, it is important for us to define what white collar & political crimes are about. White collar crime according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is 'the art of deliberate deception for unlawful gain' (2009) more commonly referred to as Fraud. Criminologist Professor E. Sutherland first coined the term 'White Collar Crime' in 1939 and over time this has become synonymous to a full range of fraudulent acts committed by corporate, civilian and even government professionals. The FBI warns -
"Today's con artists are more savvy and sophisticated than ever, engineering everything from slick online scams to complex stock and health care frauds."
"The FBI defines White-Collar Crime as those illegal acts that are characterized by fraud, concealment, or a violation of trust and are not dependent upon the application or threat of physical force or violence. These acts are committed by individuals and organizations to obtain money, property, or services; to avoid the payment or loss of money or services; or to secure a personal, political, or business advantage."

The Bureau segregated White Collar Crimes into 4 categories as follows:

? Economic Crimes primarily involve mail and wire frauds, counterfeit negotiable securities, bankruptcy, insurance, computer frauds, telemarketing and investment frauds, and other business-related frauds directed against both individuals and businesses.
? Financial Institution Fraud investigations primarily involve check frauds, loan frauds, embezzlements, misapplications, and bribery matters occurring within or ...