Circuit Split or a Matter of Semantics? The Supreme Court's Upcoming Decision on Rule 10b-5 "Scheme Liability" and Its Implications for Tax Shelter Fraud Litigation

Authors

Mark S. Pincus

Keywords

internal revenue service, tax shelter, fraud, rule 10b-5, securities and exchange commission, primary violator, scheme liability

Abstract

After Internal Revenue Service investigations exposed widespread fraud among tax shelter promoters, angry investors sued for securities fraud under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b-5, which provides a cause of action against “primary violators” of the Rule but not against mere “aiders and abettors.” This controversial distinction is further complicated by the recent introduction of “scheme liability” lawsuits under two previously obscure provisions of Rule 10b-5. This Note examines the circuit split over the “primary violator”/“aider and abettor” distinction in scheme liability claims, arguing that the circuits' conflicting concepts of scheme liability actually cover similar conduct, and that tax shelter promoters likely will be considered primary violators under either concept.

Recommended Citation

Mark S. Pincus, Circuit Split or a Matter of Semantics? The Supreme Court's Upcoming Decision on Rule 10b-5 "Scheme Liability" and Its Implications for Tax Shelter Fraud Litigation, 76 Fordham L. Rev. 423 (2007).
Available at: https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/flr/vol76/iss1/10