Corporate Compliance and Ethics

• Semester: Fall 2018
• Course ID: 379M
• Credit Hours: 3
• Unique: 28715

Description

What do the recent scandals at Michigan State, Uber, Wells Fargo, Volkswagon, Equifax, Theranos, Samsung and the Weinstein Companies have in common? All are examples of epic—and costly—failures that likely could have been avoided or substantially mitigated if the organizations involved had had effective ethics and compliance programs in place.

In this course, students will learn what ethics and compliance programs are, why corporations and other organizations should have them, and the elements these programs must have to be considered effective. Through readings, case studies and guest speakers, students will become familiar with the underlying legal principles and practical strategies for designing, implementing and maintaining an effective ethics and compliance program. They will also learn how these principles, while developed to prevent criminal conduct, are also applicable in civil and regulatory matters. We will explore the consequences of compliance failures, the mitigating effect of compliance programs on prosecution, punishment and civil liability, the role of internal investigations, and the risks and benefits of self-reporting to and cooperation with government enforcement officials. Students will engage in practical exercises to help them develop the core skills necessary for practice in this area.

This course is essential for any student considering a career in the rapidly growing field of corporate compliance and ethics, but will also be beneficial to anyone who plans to advise, represent, prosecute or defend corporations or other organizations.