The purpose of criminal law is to punish offender who cause these harms. In a criminal case, society is seen as the victim and the state files charges against the defendant. In a civil case the victim is an individual(s) and an individual or corporation can file a suit. The lawsuit of Mr. Margolin against Novelty Now is a matter of civil case. Mr. Margolin is the individual and victim that files suit. Civil cases usually result in monetary damages or demands to cease or continue an action.
Novelty Now, substituted PYR (a low-cost chemical emulsifier) in its original formula under the direction of Chris, one of the owners of Funny Face. Under criminal laws, both elements of a crime are present: “actus reus” wrongful behavior and “mens rea” wrongful state of mind. The consequence of the wrongful behavior element is Mr. Margolin’s skin discoloration and Chris’ wrongful state of mind is evident in his negligent use of a non-FDA approved ingredient. Since Chris is one of the three co-founders/owners of Funny Face, he and the other owners, Matt & Ian, can be held liable of criminal act under the “responsible corporate officer” doctrine. (Kubasek, p.161) In United State v. Park. 421 U.S. 658. (1975)., the court shows how corporate executives that have the responsibility and power must make sure that the company comply with the law, or risk the probable criminal liability. …show more content…
White-collar crime is “a variety of non-violent illegal act against society that most often occur in the business context.” (Kubasek, p.151) One of the white-collar crimes associated with Funny Face and Novelty Now is criminal fraud. Criminal fraud involves several ways in which an individual intentionally uses misrepresentation to gain an advantage over another. Fraud usually has “…the following three elements: (1) a material false representation made with intent to deceive (scienter), (2) a victim’s reasonable reliance on the false representation, and (3) damages.” (Kubasek, p.152) The three elements of fraud are clearly present in this