Category: White collar crimes

  • Title: “The Complexities of Insider Trading: A Look at the Federal Statute and Martha Stewart’s Case” The federal statute on insider trading, specifically Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, prohibits individuals

    Martha Stewart, a renowned businesswoman and media personality, became a household name through her successful ventures in cooking, entertaining, and home decor. Her career, however, faced a significant setback in 2004 when she was convicted of charges related to insider trading. Stewart’s legal troubles began in 2001 when she sold nearly 4,000 shares of the biopharmaceutical company ImClone Systems based on a tip she received from her broker. This sale occurred just before a public announcement that caused ImClone’s stock to plummet. Although many speculated that she engaged in insider trading, Stewart was ultimately convicted of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and making false statements to federal investigators, but not insider trading itself. Her five-month prison sentence sparked widespread media coverage and public interest, raising questions about the complexities of securities law and the enforcement of insider trading regulations.
    4 – 6 paragraphs of a thorough response to the following:
    Examine the federal statute on insider trading. 
    Does the language of the statute itself help explain why Martha Stewart was not charged with insider trading? Explain your response.

  • Title: The Exploitation of Religion: Understanding the Success and Vulnerability of Fraudsters. Religion has long been a source of comfort, guidance, and community for many individuals. However, this deep-seated faith and trust can also

    Religion holds a powerful place in many people’s lives, offering a sense of community, purpose, and moral guidance. However, this deep-seated faith and trust can sometimes be exploited by unscrupulous individuals. Throughout history, there have been numerous instances where fraudsters have used religious platforms to deceive followers and accumulate wealth or power. These cases often involve charismatic leaders who manipulate religious beliefs and emotions to gain the trust and resources of their adherents. Understanding why certain individuals are so successful in leveraging religion for massive fraud and why devoutly religious people may be particularly vulnerable to such schemes is critical for fostering awareness and protecting communities from exploitation.
    4 paragraphs of a thorough response to the following:
    Why have some individuals been so successful in using religion to accomplish massive fraud?
    Why might the devoutly religious be particularly susceptible to such exploitation? 
    Consider the psychological, social, and cultural factors that contribute to this phenomenon.