Investigations and Sanctions in the European Community

A study of the operation of the supranational EC system of investigations and punishments in relation to the activities of individuals, whereby the EC acts as investigator, prosecutor, judge, sentencer and penal authority. Focuses on issues of competition law, such as monopolies and fraud.

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The European Community relies on the administrative authorities and courts of the member states for carrying into effect most of its policies and the application of its rules. But, in certain spheres of action, notably in relation to competition policy, the EC Commission itself undertakes investigation of alleged infringement of rules and laws and is involved in the imposition of punishment. There has been no study of the European Community's Commission in its role as an investigative and punishing body and as this role is likely to increase in the near future - particularly with regard to agricultural fraud - such a study is long overdue. This is an international legal study of the basis on which the Commission acts and the constraints on its power. Its relevance can only increase as the European Community involves itself more and more deeply in the commercial life of member states.