Criminal Liability for the Act of others in Economic Crimes under Jordanian Legislation

Abstract

Criminal liability is the cornerstone of criminal policy, grounded on the principles of personal accountability and punishment. Individuals are not held accountable or punished for crimes committed by others. However, in light of significant economic and industrial transformations witnessed globally, including the emergence of economic projects affecting the state's economic center, and the rise of serious economic crimes constituting an assault on public funds, there arises a necessity to expand the criminal responsibility system. This expansion, rooted in the principle of personal accountability, encompasses other individuals to align with these evolving circumstances and reduce economic crimes. The primary question addressed in this research is to establish the legal foundation for penalizing an individual who did not commit the crime themselves. The study concludes the necessity of holding establishment owners accountable for the actions of their subordinates, given their supervisory responsibilities. This concept, known as criminal liability for the acts of others in economic crimes, diverges from the principle of personal criminal responsibility delineated in most criminal laws, including Jordanian law.