Cartel criminalization and the challenge of moral wrongfulness

Whelan, Peter (2013) Cartel criminalization and the challenge of moral wrongfulness. Oxford Journal of Legal Studies, 33 (3). pp. 535-561. ISSN 1464-3820

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Abstract

There is considerable debate at present, particularly in the Member States of the European Union, concerning the necessity and appropriateness of imposing custodial sentences upon individuals who have engaged in cartel activity. The vast majority of those contributing to this debate have focused on the punishment theory of (economic) deterrence. Little room is devoted to the punishment theory of retribution or to consideration of the 'moral wrongfulness' of cartel activity. This article posits that the issue of 'moral wrongfulness' is a central issue in the debate on cartel criminalization, irrespective of whether it is deterrence theory or retribution theory that informs the debate. By employing a norms-based approach, this article then examines the extent to which cartel activity can indeed be interpreted as conduct that is 'morally wrong' due to its violation of the moral norms against stealing, deception and/or cheating. By doing so, this article not only challenges traditional views of the nature of cartel activity but also provides scholars, legislatures and policymakers with specific analyses which are crucial to a decision whether to justify (or indeed to oppose) the introduction and maintenance of criminal cartel sanctions.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	sdg 16 - peace, justice and strong institutions ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/peace_justice_and_strong_institutions
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Law
Depositing User:	Julie Frith
Date Deposited:	19 Feb 2013 14:01
Last Modified:	23 Oct 2022 00:05
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/41374
DOI:	10.1093/ojls/gqt010

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