global responsibilities: a brief introduction t o the legal framework
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Global Responsibilities: A brief introduction t o the legal framework James Downie, Stronachs LLP. Introduction Global responsibilities - a huge area Will approach as the responsibilities we have overseas by virtue of UK law or law of overseas jurisdiction - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Stronachs
T : 01224 845845 E : [email protected] W : www.stronachs.com
9th May 2013
Global Responsibilities: A brief introductionto the legal framework
James Downie, Stronachs LLP
Stronachs
T : 01224 845845 E : [email protected] W : www.stronachs.com
9th May 2013
Introduction
• Global responsibilities - a huge area
• Will approach as the responsibilities we have overseas by virtue of UK
law or law of overseas jurisdiction
• Won’t consider “moral” issues - just obligations• Will use examples Bribery Act - UK Act with worldwide reach
Overseas law holding UK Company responsible - the importance of law of the jurisdiction
Stronachs
T : 01224 845845 E : [email protected] W : www.stronachs.com
9th May 2013
Example 1 UK Legislation with overseas reach
• Many businesses have codes of conduct Ethical Behaviour Heath, Safety,
Environment Anti-corruption
• International trend towards greater transparency and accountability
Bribery Act 2010
Four Key Offences
1. Bribing (Section 1)
2. Requesting a bribe (Section 2)
3. Bribing a foreign public official (Section 6)
[Corporate criminal liability - a problem]
4. Failure to prevent bribery (Section 7)
Stronachs
T : 01224 845845 E : [email protected] W : www.stronachs.com
9th May 2013
Territorial reach & penalties
• UK company, British citizen, UK resident
• Corporate offence – which companies are covered?
• The penalties
• Bribery Act has been criticised - too onerous/wider reaching
than other countries?
Stronachs
T : 01224 845845 E : [email protected] W : www.stronachs.com
9th May 2013
Example 2 The Effects of Overseas Law
Holding a parent liable/indirectly liable for group companies
• Separate legal personality
• Chandler v Cape plc - where a parent has a duty to 3rd parties• Implications of Chandler v Cape - worldwide/areas outwith employment?
• Akpan v Royal Dutch Shell
• Maybe you can’t ring -fence overseas operations - the importance of the
law of the overseas jurisdiction
Stronachs
T : 01224 845845 E : [email protected] W : www.stronachs.com
9th May 2013
Questions & discussion