stronachs t : 01224 845845 e : w : 9 th may 2013 global responsibilities: a brief introduction to...

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Stronachs T : 01224 845845 E : [email protected] W : www.stronachs.com 9 th May 2013 Global Responsibilities: A brief introduction to the legal framework James Downie, Stronachs LLP

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Stronachs T : E : W : 9 th 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)

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Page 1: Stronachs T : 01224 845845 E : W :  9 th May 2013 Global Responsibilities: A brief introduction to the legal framework

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

Page 2: Stronachs T : 01224 845845 E : W :  9 th May 2013 Global Responsibilities: A brief introduction to the legal framework

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

Page 3: Stronachs T : 01224 845845 E : W :  9 th May 2013 Global Responsibilities: A brief introduction to the legal framework

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)

Page 4: Stronachs T : 01224 845845 E : W :  9 th May 2013 Global Responsibilities: A brief introduction to the legal framework

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?

Page 5: Stronachs T : 01224 845845 E : W :  9 th May 2013 Global Responsibilities: A brief introduction to the legal framework

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

Page 6: Stronachs T : 01224 845845 E : W :  9 th May 2013 Global Responsibilities: A brief introduction to the legal framework

Stronachs

T : 01224 845845 E : [email protected] W : www.stronachs.com

9th May 2013

Questions & discussion