Anti-Corruption Law and Policy (LAW437H1F)

Corruption can be found in any part of the world, at the most local to the most international levels. In recent decades, anti-corruption laws and international norms have proliferated, as international organizations, states, and local communities have focused on legal tools to remedy a seemingly intractable problem. This course analyzes the phenomenon of corruption and the state of current anti-corruption law and policy, while offering students the opportunity to problem-solve and explore case studies of recent anti-corruption enforcement and compliance.  

The course begins by exploring how we define corruption and its historical, political, economic and social consequences. The course then analyzes the emergence of international anti-corruption law and debates about approaches to eradicating corruption. Moving to the domestic sphere, the course examines Canadian legislation, and strategies to prevent, and punish corruption in international business. Students will learn about the elements of corruption as a crime and the investigation, prosecution and sanctioning of persons convicted of corruption offences; preventive measures through regulation of the public and private sectors, including laws and policies dealing with conflict of interest, lobbying, public procurement and whistleblower protection; and the role of the lawyer in advising corporate clients in respect to corruption risk assessment in the client’s area of business, development of internal anti-corruption policies and implementation of due diligence standards and practices.