You and your friend Liam are viewing a news report about a national bank executive who was arrested for using company assets to procure real estate assets for himself and an overseas government official-a violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The bank is arguing that it followed the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations by employing an effective compliance and ethics program, so it should receive a light punishment. A bank representative discusses the frequent emails it sends and the once-a-year teleconferences required of all employees. The rep notes that the offending employee attended all teleconferences without fail. Liam says he thinks the bank has made a good case for itself with the Department of Justice. What is your best response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If a company convicted of a federal crime can prove that, in spite of its violation of the law, it had effective compliance and ethics programs in place, then it may receive a reduced sentence. Corporations continue to see guidance about what the U.S. government deems "effective" and therefore worthy of "credit" in the event of a punishable event.

You and Your Friend Liam Are Viewing a News Report