Warren’s proposal taps into lingering populist frustration with the lack of criminal prosecutions after the global financial crisis. Going after corporate executives has long been difficult, particularly at large companies, former prosecutors say. The investigations are lengthy and expensive, they say, and it can be difficult to prove that a CEO knew about specific corporate wrongdoing in a large organization. That extra step could make it easier for law enforcement to hold those executives criminally responsible for corporate wrongdoing even if they are not personally responsible or aware of the bad behavior, legal experts say. “Companies can hire, and do hire, entire law firms to defend themselves.”The proposal sets up unrealistic expectations, white-collar defense attorneys said.

Source: Washington Post April 04, 2019 14:40 UTC