The False Claims Act (1863)

During the Civil War, people were selling defective food and arms to the Union military. This law, sometimes referred to as the Lincoln Law, prohibits such dishonest transactions. It prohibits making and using false records to get those claims paid. It also prohibits selling government goods that are known to be defective. For HR professionals today, it is wise to train all employees about the need to avoid creating records that are inaccurate or, even worse, fictitious. Doing things that are illegal, just because the boss says you should, will still be illegal. Employees need to understand that concept.

For more information, see www.justice.gov/civil/docs_forms/C-FRAUDS_FCA_Primer.pdf.

Sharam Kohan
Sharam Kohan

Sharam Kohan is an organizational leadership professional with experience spanning employment law, human resources, and public service. He is currently an LL.M. degree candidate at UC Berkeley School of Law and previously served on Alameda County’s Human Relations Commission, advancing equity-focused community initiatives. He holds an Employment Law specialization from Temple University School of Law and is SHRM-certified.

Sharam is also a writer whose work explores the intersection of law and philosophy, including Judgment, a Priori Itself and Sartre’s Conception of Freedom. He comments on organizational dynamics and social issues, and supports Bay Area community organizations through philanthropy and volunteer service.

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