Research Project – Final Research Paper Instructions
Research Project – Final Research Paper Instructions
Research Project – Final Research Paper Instructions As the final assignment for this course, you will prepare a Final Research Paper. Throughout the course, you have written a Thesis Statement and an Annotated Outline. The Final Research Paper will combine and expand upon those two assignments. The Final Research Paper must include the following elements: 1. Title Page; 2. Abstract; 3. Body (including an Introduction, Body Paragraphs/Argument Section, and Conclusion); and 4. Reference Page All components of the Final Research Paper must be written using current APA formatting and must be on the same criminal justice topic that you selected for your Thesis Statement and Annotated Outline. The Final Research Paper must develop an argument that is highlighted in the thesis statement and supported with solid academic research and analysis. Each facet of the thesis statement must be addressed and analyzed throughout the paper. The title page must use proper formatting as set by the APA style guide. The abstract must be between 150–250 words and provide a clear summary of the paper. The body of the Final Research Paper must be comprised of 4 pages of content. The Title Page, Abstract, and Reference Page are not included in the page count. The introduction must include background information on the criminal justice topic, a well-written thesis statement, and a preview of points. The body must thoroughly support the assertions made in the thesis statement with the use of analysis and comprehensively developed subpoints and academic research. Each paragraph must address one issue and directly relate it to the thesis. The body must also be well-organized and use properly formatted headings. Information must clearly relate to the main topic. The conclusion must summarize the main headings of the paper. The Reference Page must include at least 5 scholarly sources published within the last five years. The sources must be cited both in the body of the paper as well as in the Reference Page. Biblical references do not count toward the citation requirement. WRITE A 4 PAGE PAPER BASED OFF OF THE OUTLINE BELOW
Paper For Above instruction
White Collar Crime and Its Impact on Society
White collar crime, defined as non-violent offenses committed by individuals or organizations in positions of trust and authority for financial gain, poses significant challenges to the criminal justice system and society at large. While often overshadowed by street crimes or violent offenses, white collar crimes cause substantial economic damage and erode public trust in institutions. The impact of such crimes extends beyond individual victims, affecting societal stability and economic integrity. This paper explores the perpetrators of white collar crimes, the profound impacts these crimes have on individuals and society, and the current state of enforcement and awareness in the arena of white collar crime.
Perpetrators of White Collar Crime
Perpetrators of white collar crimes are typically persons or entities wielding considerable power and influence within the corporate or societal hierarchy. They can be broadly categorized into corporate entities and private individuals. Corporate perpetrators often include executives and employees within companies engaging in fraudulent activities or financial misconduct. Shapiro (2014) emphasizes the importance of focusing on the crime's effects rather than solely on the criminal, advocating for a broader definition that holds corporations accountable irrespective of individual perpetrators. This approach aims to ensure that corporate entities cannot evade justice simply because the offender is not personally prosecuted.
On the other hand, individual perpetrators include professionals such as accountants, financial advisors, or business owners who commit crimes like embezzlement, insider trading, or scams. Holtfreter (2015) points out that individual white collar offenders often act independently or in collaboration with others and that their crimes can be just as damaging, if not more so, due to the personal culpability involved. Both types of perpetrators leverage their social status, resources, and knowledge to manipulate financial systems and deceive others for personal or organizational gain.
Impact of White Collar Crime
Despite lacking the physical violence associated with traditional crimes, white collar crimes inflict severe financial and psychological harm that can destabilize individuals and society. The damage is primarily economic but has ripple effects that undermine trust in financial institutions and regulatory frameworks. Leap (2014) discusses how crimes like identity theft, credit card fraud, and corporate fraud result in significant financial losses for individuals, often resulting in long-term economic hardship. These crimes are challenging to detect and prove, which complicates efforts to hold offenders accountable and increases their prevalence.
At the societal level, Lewis (2016) highlights that white collar crimes erode public confidence in economic and governmental institutions. Large-scale fraud cases can cause economic downturns, distort markets, and necessitate costly reforms and oversight. One notable example is the 2008 financial crisis, which was linked to widespread corporate fraud and deregulation, demonstrating the profound societal consequences of unchecked white collar crime. The economic damage inflicted by these crimes often surpasses that caused by street-level offenses, yet they tend to receive less media attention and legal scrutiny.
Current State of White Collar Crime Enforcement
The enforcement of laws against white collar crime remains complex due to the sophisticated nature of the crimes and the resources required for investigation. Regulatory agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Department of Justice (DOJ) take on this challenge, but their efforts are often hindered by legal loopholes, corporate influence, and limited resources. According to Shapiro (2014), there is a need for an expanded legal framework that emphasizes crime effects over individual culpability, which could facilitate more robust enforcement.
Moreover, public awareness and academic research play crucial roles in addressing white collar crime. Increased transparency, whistleblowing incentives, and technological advancements have improved detection and prevention. Holtfreter (2015) advocates for more targeted interventions that recognize the organizational and individual dimensions of white collar offenders. As enforcement improves, there is hope that the societal tolerance for these crimes will diminish, and accountability will increase, though significant challenges remain.
Conclusion
White collar crime remains a profound threat to societal and economic stability despite its often covert nature. Its perpetrators, ranging from unscrupulous corporate entities to individual professionals, leverage knowledge and influence to commit financially damaging crimes. The impact extends beyond individual victims, destabilizing entire economies and eroding trust in critical institutions. Although efforts to regulate and prosecute white collar crime are ongoing, challenges persist due to the complex, sophisticated, and covert nature of these offenses. Moving forward, enhanced legal frameworks, increased public awareness, and the adoption of technological tools are essential to mitigating the influence and damage caused by white collar crimes.
References
- Holtfreter, K. (2015). Is occupational fraud “typical” white-collar crime? A comparison of individual and organizational characteristics. Journal of Criminal Justice.
- Leap, T. (2014). Dishonest dollars: The dynamics of white-collar crime. Ithaca: Cornell University Press.
- Lewis, R. (2016). White collar crime and offenders: A 20-year longitudinal cohort study. Lincoln, NE: Writers Club Press.
- Shapiro, S. (2014). Collaring the crime, not the criminal: Reconsidering the concept of white-collar crime. American Sociological Review.