Corporate Justice? ⇒

I read yesterday that Worldcom is close to a settlement with the government. One of the stipulations was that they "had to ensure they didn't vioulate and securities laws" in the future.

Now correct me if I am wrong, but isn't violating laws illegal? Why should part of a settlement be, "Don't break the law"?

This seems tantamount to saying, "OK, we forgive you, don't you every do that again." Sure seems like justice to me! Microsoft also had the same condition on its settlement. OK, small Microsoft rant: does it seems right to you that Microsoft was heavily involved in choosing its own punishment? Should a judge/jury have decided that? Why would a corporation convicted of monopolizing an industry get a say? The message that sends to the world is, "break the law in ways that damage healthy competition, we will find you guilty, then let you off easy as you can choose your own punishment" Microsoft says, "OK, we will just go sit in the corner for a couple of month!!"

Aaarrgghh, corporate law.....I don't understand it.