It is a fallacy to believe that only humans are capable of committing a crime. An artificial person, like a business, is a separate legal entity that can conduct crimes. It was formerly thought that a company could not commit any crimes in the 16th and 17th centuries. There were several inconsistencies in the notion of a corporation being a separate legal entity with its own soul and body. As a result, they are unable to commit any criminal or objectionable behavior for which they may be held responsible. However, the notion of corporate criminality has increasingly gained traction. Various rulings, such as Standard Charter Bank V. Directorate of Enforcement, have established liability. It was recognized that a business might commit a crime through its agents and be held responsible. The notion of corporate criminal responsibility stems from a Latin adage, Actus non facitreum, nisi mens sit rea, which states that in order to hold someone responsible, it must be proven that they committed an act or omission that was illegal and done with a guilty mind.
