Legal Question in Criminal Law in Tennessee

Concealing a Crime From The Civil Authorities

A few members of a fraternal society learn that a fellow member has attempted to steal monies by endorsing and concealing knowlege of checks made out to the fraternity. Contrary to my wishes the local head of the society took the matter up with the state officers of the society only. They investigated and gave a slap on the wrist to the culprit. No one contacted the civil authorities. Having known the details of this malfeasance do I have any responsibility to report this to the Law?


Asked on 7/01/99, 1:07 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jes Beard Jes Beard, Attorney at Law

Re: Concealing a Crime From The Civil Authorities

No.

A private citizen in Tennessee generally speaking has no obligation under the criminal law to report criminal conduct of either themselves or another.

It is illegal to actively conceal, but it is not illegal to simply sit on your hands under the fact as you have presented them here.

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Answered on 7/08/99, 8:18 pm


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