Publications
Publications
- October 1992 (Revised February 1995)
- HBS Case Collection
Note on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations
By: Lynn S. Paine
Abstract
Describes the federal guidelines used by judges for sentencing organizations convicted of criminal wrong-doing under U.S. law as of November 1, 1991. Describes the guidelines' approach to calculating criminal fines for organizations, determining an organization's culpability, and assessing the organization's legal compliance program. Outlines some of the common criticisms of the guidelines. Intended to permit discussion of the concept of "organizational culpability" and to inform students about the bases for assigning criminal punishment to corporations under current law.
Keywords
Crime and Corruption; Governance Compliance; Law Enforcement; Laws and Statutes; Organizations; Legal Services Industry; United States
Citation
Paine, Lynn S. "Note on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations." Harvard Business School Background Note 393-060, October 1992. (Revised February 1995.)