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Corruption, legal solutions and limits of law

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 November 2007

Indira Carr
Indira Carr*
Affiliation:
Professor of Law, University of Surrey; Honorary Visiting Professor, Exeter University; Honorary Visiting Professor, University of Kent
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Abstract

Since the mid-1990s there has been intense activity in terms of anti-corruption initiatives. Section 1 of this paper (Regulatory measures: the conventions) focuses on the frameworks of these conventions and in the course of their assessment argues (a) that the lack of a unified approach is unlikely to further the fight against corruption in any meaningful way, (b) that regulation is unlikely to be effective in terms of results unless there are robust enforcement mechanisms in place, and (c) that anti-corruption legislation provides only a partial answer and that we need to engage in what I call a process of re-socialisation. Section 2 (Enforcement and informers) highlights the difficulties associated with enforcing the conventions and explores whether the antiquated qui tam action might serve a useful purpose in addressing the problem of enforcement deficit. Section 3 (Fighting corruption through re-socialisation) asks whether greater social awareness through education provides a possible solution. Guided by a humanistic philosophy of society the view is put forward that part of the answer for effectively tackling corruption lies in making people aware of its long-term effects.

Type
Research Article
Information
International Journal of Law in Context , Volume 3 , Issue 3 , September 2007 , pp. 227 - 255
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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