Criminology Term: Malpractice
Malpractice, a term commonly used in the legal and medical fields, refers to any sort of wrongful or negligent conduct by a person or professional with authority, power, or responsibility.
This can include anyone from law enforcement officials, judges, and lawyers, to doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
In the legal field, malpractice can be committed by a variety of professionals. For instance, a police officer using excessive force or neglecting proper protocols during an arrest can be charged with malpractice.
Similarly, a lawyer who fails to provide adequate representation to a client or violates ethical codes can also face malpractice allegations.
In the medical field, malpractice occurs when medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or pharmacists, engage in negligent or careless behavior that causes harm to a patient.
Common examples of medical malpractice include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or prescribing the wrong medication. The consequences of such malpractice can be severe and can result in serious injury, disability, or even death.
