ABSTRACT
It is impossible to fully understand corporate criminality without an examination of the typical enforcement vehicle, the regulatory agency. Created by legislative fiat and empowered to enforce various administrative laws, these agencies, in concert with business and special interest groups, shape the enforcement process. Regulatory agencies are typically equipped by law with a wide array of powers to enforce legislative mandates. When an offense is first detected, regulatory officials may choose to invoke the formal regulatory process by filing charges or official complaints. The other regulatory alternative is an informal, educational role, which focuses on cooperation and mediation.
