My husband, who is a patent examiner, confirms that there are from time to time rumors of bribes being offered in return for information about patent applications, which are, of course, confidential. In fact, Alexander Graham Bell is supposed to have bribed a patent examiner to see the other guy's application for a patent on the telephone (can't remember name).
One does read with some dismal frequency about researchers accused of fabricating results. And there was the Stanford scandal, not so long ago, misuse of research grants for such purposes as entertainment.
One of my former neighbors works at the Commerce department ~ his job is to make sure that economic data isn't leaked early. Lately, when economic indicators are "accidedentally" posted on the Web a day early, I wonder.
No quarrel from me that lawyers misuse trust accounts; it is, of course, well known, but if discovered, the lawyer loses his/her license. When government is involved in corruption, it closes ranks. |
