Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone's departure from a Munich court with a fleeting 'bye-bye' after having bribery charges dropped in exchange for an enormous $100 million payment left a sour taste for many in Germany. However, while the size of the super-wealthy 83-year-old's payment appears to be unprecedented, the legal device that made it possible is commonly used and the motor-racing boss isn't the first prominent beneficiary. Here's a look at how the deal was possible. Q: What's the law? A: Germany's criminal code says prosecutors and courts can agree to close proceedings in exchange for a payment, community service, reparations or other conditions 'if the degree of guilt does not...
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