Criminology Term: Malfeasance
The term 'malfeasance' is a legal term that refers to the deliberate or intentional commission of an unlawful or wrongful act by a public official, such as a law enforcement officer, judge, or politician, while performing their duties.
This type of misconduct is often considered a form of corruption and can result in criminal charges, including bribery, fraud, or abuse of power.
For instance, a police officer who knowingly falsifies evidence to secure a conviction or accepts a bribe to let someone off the hook could face charges of malfeasance.
Similarly, if a judge accepts a bribe to make a particular ruling or if a politician uses their position to enrich themselves at the expense of the public, they could also be charged with malfeasance.
Malfeasance can have serious consequences as it can undermine public trust in government institutions and result in a loss of confidence in the rule of law. To combat malfeasance, governments may establish laws and regulations to ensure public officials act ethically and transparently while performing their duties.
Additionally, independent oversight bodies and investigative agencies may be established to investigate and prosecute cases of malfeasance.
