Federal public corruption cases tend to be prosecuted the most vigorously of any type of criminal case and the most resources are devoted to these prosecutions. This is because government officials are held to the highest standards and there is a strong feeling that this sort of influence should be kept out of the way of the functioning of the government.
Corruption is the offering, giving, receiving or soliciting of something of value in exchange for a decision, act or behaviour that is illegal or unethical. Bribery usually involves cash but can be in the form of gifts, hospitality and expenses, money, loans or access to assets. Typically the decision, act or behaviour required of the alleged corrupt person is not in the discharge of their official duties but may be in the pursuit of their personal interests.
The sort of decisions that might be considered as a bribe include granting or not granting a permit, awarding contracts, approving a loan or mortgage application, allocating funds or favouring a business over another. This sort of conduct is especially prone to being exposed in societies and environments where holding power is intoxicating. It is often the case that those who hold powerful positions, whether in public office or at large corporations, do not fully understand the boundaries of legal behaviour and may think that their actions are acceptable.
When defending against a corruption charge it is important to highlight the nature of the alleged bribe. This can be achieved by evidence such as proof of a flashy lifestyle which can be interpreted as an attempt to curry favour with the jury and also evidence that the alleged bribe recipient has recently become wealthy with no obvious explanation for this change in their financial position.
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