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Simple English definitions for legal terms
malfeasance
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A quick definition of malfeasance:
Malfeasance is when someone does something that is against the law and causes harm to someone else. This is usually done on purpose by people who work for the government or companies. It is worse than not doing something when you should (called nonfeasance) or doing something wrong by accident (called misfeasance). Malfeasance can be a crime if it causes physical harm or financial damage to someone. For example, if a doctor does something wrong on purpose that hurts a patient, that is malpractice. In companies, malfeasance can be anything from doing something that is not right to doing something that is illegal and hurts people. A Ponzi scheme is an example of corporate malfeasance.
A more thorough explanation:
Malfeasance is when someone intentionally does something that is illegal and causes harm to someone else, either physically or financially. This is often done by officials or public employees who abuse their power.
In tort law, malfeasance is considered a higher level of wrongdoing than nonfeasance (not doing something when you should) or misfeasance (doing something wrong by accident). In criminal law, malfeasance can result in financial damage or physical injury to another person.
Examples of malfeasance include:
- A doctor intentionally giving the wrong medication to a patient, causing harm or death.
- A police officer using excessive force during an arrest, causing injury to the suspect.
- A corporate executive embezzling money from the company for personal gain.
These examples illustrate how malfeasance involves intentional wrongdoing that causes harm to others. It is important to hold those who commit malfeasance accountable for their actions to prevent further harm and maintain trust in institutions.