The Bribe -
Basu proposes a novel strategy to reduce corruption, specifically targeting "harassment bribes" (bribes paid for services one is legally entitled to, such as tax refunds or subsidized land paperwork):
: Under current laws, both the giver and taker are culpable, meaning they share an interest in keeping the crime secret. By granting the giver immunity, their interests diverge after the act, incentivizing the giver to report the official. The Bribe
The phrase most commonly refers to "Why, for a Class of Bribes, the Act of Giving a Bribe should be Legal" , a widely discussed economic paper by Kaushik Basu . Key Arguments of Basu's Paper Basu proposes a novel strategy to reduce corruption,
Why, for a Class of Bribes, the Act of Giving a Bribe should Key Arguments of Basu's Paper Why, for a
: This mechanism is known as asymmetric liability . While it has the potential to reduce corruption, some research suggests it may face challenges if economic incentives for the giver are weak or if they fear retaliation. Other Potential References Depending on the context, you might also be looking for:
: A 1949 film noir starring Ava Gardner and Robert Taylor , involving a federal agent and a smuggling ring.