Whistle-blowing - ´Somebody has to take a stand´

The problems associated with whistle-blowing, the motives for which can range from sheer spitefulness and/or desire for personal gain to a deep concern for the welfare of the society, for ethics, propriety, or safety, are examined. Chief among the problems is the general opprobrium attached to the whistle-blower. The article suggests a procedure that will protect both parties; the whistle-blower in legitimate instances in which culpability can be unequivocally established, i.e. nonmalicious instances of whistle-blowing; and those on whom the whistle was blown frivolously or with malicious intent.<>