“WHITE COLLAR CRIME” IS A EUPHEMISM TO ABANDON

Meyer, Anthony J.

Journal: SLU Law Journal Online

Year: 2024

Bluebook Citation: SLU L.J. ONLINE

Author: Anthony J. Meyer: all 4 publications


Abstract

Although the phrase “white collar crime” is ubiquitous among lawyers, it is a euphemism that creates an arbitrary distinction among crimes and perpetuates an upper-class bias for certain types of criminal conduct while simultaneously denigrating others. The phrase further performs a problematic social signaling function, including by expressly invoking “whiteness.” On balance, the phrase should be abandoned and replaced with one that either creates a meaningful distinction or leads to more inclusiveness in the legal practice.

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