DETROIT — Wayne State University Law School hosted the second annual Peter J. Henning Memorial Lecture on September 16, 2024, with a thought-provoking presentation by former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission Mary Jo White. The event, held in person at the Law School's Partrich Auditorium and virtually, drew students, faculty, and legal professionals to explore the psychology behind white collar crime and strategies to combat it.

In her lecture titled The Psychology of White Collar Crime and How to Combat It, White explored one of the most challenging questions in corporate governance: how should the law deter white collar wrongdoing? While acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the absence of a “silver bullet,” White emphasized the importance of understanding the psychology behind these crimes. She noted that factors like motivation, opportunity, rationalization, and capability often drive individuals to commit fraud, even when they hold high-paying and stable positions.

White also referenced high-profile cases, such as Bernie Madoff and Sam Bankman-Fried, to illustrate how enhanced regulatory frameworks, whistleblower incentives, and the swift prosecution of cases could help prevent future crimes. She argued that well-publicized prison sentences and high-profile enforcement actions increase the certainty of detection, creating a deterrent effect that dissuades potential offenders.

Wayne Law's Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development Michael Oswalt praised White’s presentation. “Each year, the Henning Committee seeks to welcome a speaker who reflects the qualities that made Peter such a beloved colleague, teacher, and friend," Oswalt said. "Mary Jo White’s clarity, good humor, and passion for law as an instrument of fairness in markets and corporate governance made her a perfect choice. Just like Peter, she was an absolute hit with the students. We were so honored to host her.”

The Peter J. Henning Memorial Lecture Series honors the late Peter J. Henning, a respected member of the Wayne Law faculty who passed away in 2022. The lecture series invites leading figures in law to engage with students and the broader legal community on topics that Henning was passionate about. 

White’s lecture was well-received by both the in-person and virtual attendees, continuing the Henning Lecture’s tradition of providing timely, insightful discourse on crucial issues facing the legal profession.

To catch a full glimpse of the event, visit the photo gallery on our Flickr page.

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Contact: Jessica Taylor

Phone: 313-577-4834 

Email: gp5272@wayne.edu