Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

July 25, 2008 10:19:13 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Justice Makes Corporate Deals, Avoids Trials

Posted Apr 9, 08 9:43 AM CDT in Business,  US 

(Newser) – Instead of indicting major corporations for fraud and other forms of malfeasance, the Bush administration is relying more and more on deferred prosecutions, allowing companies to pay a fine and accept monitoring instead of going to trial. The name of the monitor and the details of the agreement are often kept secret, the New York Times reports.

The department says deferred prosecutions are an easier and cheaper form of punishment, but the Times wonders whether the shift toward fines over trials may be encouraging companies to try to get away with questionable business practices. Former AG John Ashcroft defends the practice that has benefited his consulting firm: “A deferred prosecution can avoid the catastrophic collateral consequences and costs that are associated with corporate conviction.”

Source New York Times

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon
Former Attorney General John Ashcroft denied that a $52 million oversight deal for his consulting company represents a conflict of interest.   (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
Former Attorney General John Ashcroft testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 11, 2008, before a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing to discuss corporate settlement agreements.   (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
Attorney General Michael Mukasey's office has continued the Bush Administration trend of offering deferred prosecutions to major corporations.   (AP Photo/George Nikitin)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (1 of 1)

Tags

fraud  • John Ashcroft  • Justice Department  • corporations  • corporate monitoring  • Arthur Anderson


Loading...

Loading...

Today's Most Popular


Other US Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »