15. Crimes of the Powerful
15.9 Discussion Questions
Michael Brandt, MA
- Are the crimes discussed in this chapter more or less blameworthy than traditional street crimes? Explain. Is there a moral difference between someone who causes injury or death to someone while in the pursuit of profit and someone who causes injury or death for other reasons?
- Is it appropriate to label pharmaceutical companies, that downplay the risks of addiction and convince physicians to prescribe highly addictive drugs to their patients, as drug dealers? Is it appropriate to label those who evade taxes as thieves? Is it appropriate to label leaders that engage in illegal wars as serial killers? Why or why not?
- What do you think would be the most appropriate strategy for dealing with white-collar crime? Should corporations that repeatedly engage in corporate crime be put out of business? Explain.
- Watch the documentary, “The Corporation”. Have the film makers convinced you that the modern corporation has been built in the image of a psychopath? Why or why not?