About Corporate Crime
Over the last ten years, the Government has passed a series of laws creating new corporate criminal offences - from corporate manslaughter, money laundering, bribery and insider dealing to environmental health and consumer protection. Keeping on top of the latest laws, cases and commentary is a challenge – but the stakes are higher than ever.
Bribery and corruption
Businesses facing prosecution for recent or historic bribery and corruption offences need quick, accurate, and practical advice on investigations and self-reporting. Our content offers unique practical insight.
Health and safety offences
Investigations into workplace accidents can be lengthy and complex. Our content provides practical advice on health and safety and gross negligence manslaughter offences, investigations and prosecutions.
Private prosecutions
Private prosecutions are on the rise, as businesses see it as a way to secure justice in financial crime cases. Our bespoke suite supports anyone seeking to bring and challenge private prosecutions.
Keeping up to date
As the scope and volume of corporate criminal offences increase, keeping track of changes is a constant challenge. Our weekly highlights and trackers keep you up to date with all the latest developments.
Topics We Cover
Latest Corporate Crime News
A round-up of the latest health and safety prosecutions, including Shell UK Limited fined after a worker suffered serious burns following a violent...
This week's edition of Corporate Crime weekly highlights includes the first in a dedicated series of analysis on the expansion of corporate criminal...
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published the findings of a review assessing financial services firms’ systems and controls for financial...
Law360, London: An expert working for the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) paid bribes to public officials in Sierra Leone to secure evidence for the SFO’s...
Information Law analysis: The Victims and Courts Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026. When section 6 is commenced, it will substantially...
Latest Corporate Crime Practice Notes
This Practice Note explains the law relating to voluntary attendance at an interview under caution conducted under the Police and Criminal Evidence...
This Practice Note explains the law in relation to interviewing a suspect under caution under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE 1984)...
This Practice Note sets out the differing positions on building and fire safety in England, Scotland and Wales for those practitioners engaged in...
This Practice Note tracks the progress of UK legislation introduced as part of the legislative project associated with the UK’s withdrawal from the...
All criminal cases begin in the magistrates' court regardless of the seriousness of the offence. There are, however, a number of ways of commencing...
Latest Corporate Crime Precedents
Thank you for taking the time to meet with us. As you are aware, we are conducting an investigation on behalf of [insert organisation's name] into...
1General informationDate[Insert date]Name of person completing this response form and action plan[Insert name]Date sanctions breach report form...
1Consider seeking external adviceGiven the complicated nature of most sanctions regimes; the potential for offences to have been committed across...
As you may be aware, the Company is currently [being investigated by the [insert name of agency] OR conducting an internal investigation] in relation...
Please click for the Precedent sample privilege log.Please note that this register has been prepared in Excel and it therefore cannot be downloaded...
Latest Corporate Crime Q&As
Featured Corporate Crime content
Common assault and battery
Common assault and batteryThe offences of common assault and batteryTechnically, the offences of assault and battery are separate summary offences. An...
Affray
AffrayAffray is an offence created by the Public Order Act 1986 (POA 1986). It can be tried in either the magistrates’ court or the Crown Court. The...
Self-defence
Self defenceSelf defenceSelf defence is an absolute defence based on the evidence which can apply in crimes committed by force. Section 76 of the...
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm
Assault occasioning actual bodily harmThe offence of actual bodily harmThe offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) can be tried in...
Criminal act or omission
Criminal act or omissionFor a person to be found guilty of a criminal offence it must be shown that they:•acted in a particular way, or•failed to act...
Strict liability
Strict liabilityStrict liability applies to offences for which the prosecution is not required to prove mens rea for one or more elements of the...
Recklessness in criminal cases
Recklessness in criminal casesThe subjective test for recklessnessCertain statutory and common law offences allow the prosecution to prove mens rea on...
Involuntary manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughterInvoluntary manslaughter—introductionManslaughter can be classified as either voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary manslaughter...
Common law offence of false imprisonment
Common law offence of false imprisonmentThe offence of false imprisonmentFalse imprisonment is a common law offence but it is more common as a civil...
Entrapment
Entrapment There is no defence of entrapment in English law but it is considered to be an abuse of the process of the court for state agents to lure a...
Causation and intervening acts in criminal cases
Causation and intervening acts in criminal casesCriminal offences are generally divided into two categories: •conduct crimes, and •result crimesA...
Causing fear or provocation of violence
Causing fear or provocation of violenceThe offence of causing fear or provocation of violenceThe offence of causing fear or provocation of violence...
Wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent
Wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intentThe offence of causing grievous bodily harm with intentWounding or causing grievous bodily harm...
Burden and standard of proof in criminal proceedings
Burden and standard of proof in criminal proceedingsThere are two kinds of ‘burden’ in criminal proceedings:•the legal burden, and•the evidential...
Time limits for commencing criminal proceedings
Time limits for commencing criminal proceedingsFor information on how criminal prosecutions are commenced in England and Wales, see Practice Notes:...
Specific and basic intent
Specific and basic intentIntention refers to the outcome sought by the defendant. Offences may be described as either ones of ‘basic intent’ or of...
Threats to kill
Threats to killThis Practice Note covers the offence of threats to kill. It looks at what the prosecution must prove and explores each of the elements...
Automatism
AutomatismDefinition of automatismAn act is done in a state of Automatism if it is done by the body without control by the mind, (eg it is a spasm or...
Associated legal terms
Abuse of process
There is an abuse of process where the prosecutor can be said to have manipulated or misused the rules of procedure or where inordinate delay has prejudiced the defendant to a situation where a fair trial is no longer possible.
Belonging to another
The Theft Act 1968 (TA 1968), s 5, and the Criminal Damage Act 1971, s 10, provide that property shall be regarded as belonging to any person having possession or control of it, or having in it any proprietary right or interest.
Written basis of plea
In limited circumstances, the law allows for a form of plea bargaining where the prosecution agree in writing to profferring a more limited charge on condition of the accused pleading guilty.
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