Institute of Criminology Occasional Seminars: 'Prosecuting Tax Fraud: England and France Compared' - Katia Weidenfeld

Speaker: Katia Weidenfeld, Professor of Legal History (Ecole Nationale des Chartes, Paris)

In the last decade, fighting tax evasion has become a priority in most Western countries. In the United Kingdom and in France, the criminalization is viewed as a key tool to tackle tax fraud. However the number of prosecutions against “tax dodgers” remains extremely low. The offenders brought to justice are highly selected on both sides of the Channel. In a first step, my study investigates the selection process and shows how it affects the principle of equality before the law. In a second step, I propose to compare the French and British disposals given to offenders. Because of their different historical backgrounds, the prosecutions against tax fraud in the UK and in France have distinctive characteristics. Nevertheless, both states share some common trends and pitfalls.

This seminar runs from 2.30pm to 4.00pm, and will be held in the Sir Anthony Bottoms Room, Institute of Criminology, Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 9DA. Please report to Reception on arrival. Coffee and biscuits provided.

The IoC Occasional Seminar Series is open to all interested in attending. If you wish to attend please contact: Joanne Garner, to let her know you are coming on: jf225@cam.ac.uk