Focusing on Individual Accountability for Corporate Wrongdoing

In recent years, U.S. prosecutors have continued apace in resolving substantial, high-profile criminal and civil cases against companies for fraud and other misconduct. Convicting individuals who perpetrated the wrongdoing, however, has proven more difficult. Historically, few corporate resolutions have been accompanied by criminal indictments or civil suits brought against individuals. Because of a perception that individuals on Wall Street have yet to be held accountable for their role in the 2008 financial crisis, politicians and commentators have been focused on this issue.