Kickbacks

THE TERMS bribery and graft are often used when referring to kickbacks. Kickbacks are monetary and non-monetary benefits that are paid to gain influence over and profit from an individual or firm. They are widespread and often accepted as a cost of doing business in many segments of the economy at home and abroad. Indeed, there are some segments of the economy that are more susceptible to the kickbacks, and the practice is more prevalent within some occupations. Those often cited among those most susceptible are elected officials and police officers.

James W. Coleman notes that, in cases of commercial bribery, it is often argued that the amount paid in bribes is relatively small relative to the prof [Page 483]its, and consumers bear little of the ...