Bribery
Bribery is the act of promising, offering, or giving a professional or person of authority something of value (i.e. money, property, services, or favours) in order to break the rules or ethics in a given situation. Bribery is a type of corruption that can occur in a number of professional and political situations. Though any one in a place of power and authority may be subject to bribery, public and government officials, police officers, legal professionals, doctors, bankers, and other business professionals are those most likely to become the subjects of bribery.
Bribery and similar illegal transactions in the political sphere alone cost the world an estimated one trillion dollars every year. Less prosperous nations those who export oil and certain other resources have been found to be particularly exposed to bribery and other corrupt activities, though even the wealthiest nations are not safe.
Bribery can considerably weaken the rule of law when this form of corruption takes place in the judicial system. Judges, district lawyers and other legal professionals may receive bribery offers to provide a particular decision in the briber’s favour, drop or fail to press charges against a criminal or group of criminals, and similar activities. Bribery can take place in any professional industry or political practice. Bribery has significant legal consequences for those who are convicted of this offence.
(Adapted from” NEW YORK TIMES”, Nov2007)
