Die strafregtelike aanspreeklikheid van regspersone: Lesse uit Kanada

Abstract

This contribution investigates the basis for the criminal liability of juristic persons in Canada in an attempt to gain lessons for South Africa. The Canadian position acknowledges both the fragmented nature of corporate decision-making and the reality that the collective efforts of a number of corporate role players may cause criminal conduct. Furthermore, the conduct and fault elements of corporate criminal misconduct do not have to be found in one individual. The conduct of a representative of the corporate entity may be regarded as the conduct of the corporation, whilst the fault requirement may be found to be the level of management. This approach, although not entirely ‘realistic’, takes into account the nature of modern corporate entities much better than traditional individualistic approaches to corporate criminal liability.