In the Summer of 2010, a Deepwater Oil Rig Suffered

question 36

Essay

In the summer of 2010, a deepwater oil rig suffered a major malfunction and began to spew thousands of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. The oil spill devastated the Gulf's economy, killing wildlife, covering beaches with oil and sludge, and making fishing in the waters hazardous. Investigators discovered that there was possible negligence on behalf of the oil company who owned the rig. What type of crime was this? As a sociologist, what kind of policy changes (at the micro, meso, and macro levels) would you suggest in order to prevent this crime from happening again? Which sociological theories support your suggestions?

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Definitions:

Strychnine Poisoning

A toxic condition resulting from the ingestion of strychnine, a potent neurotoxin used as a pesticide.

Glycine

The smallest and simplest amino acid, important in the synthesis of proteins and other metabolic functions.

Enkephalins

Peptides in the brain that bind to opiate receptors, acting as natural painkillers and also involved in various bodily functions.

Presynaptic Inhibition

Presynaptic Inhibition is a mechanism where the release of neurotransmitters from a neuron is decreased, modulating neural activity and preventing overstimulation.