LSDefine
Simple English definitions for legal terms
A quick definition of willful misconduct:
Willful misconduct refers to
intentional and voluntary behavior that is unlawful or improper. It is different from negligence, which is unintentional. Examples of willful misconduct include intentional
misrepresentation or
concealment of important
information, deliberate violation of work rules and standards of conduct, and deliberate disregard for the safety of others. In legal cases, willful misconduct can result in serious consequences, such as denial of unemployment
compensation or defeat of a seaman's claim.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Willful misconduct refers to intentional and voluntary behavior that is unlawful or improper. It is more than just negligence and involves deliberate disregard for the safety or interests of others.
Examples:
- A seaman who gets intoxicated or contracts a venereal disease, which can defeat their claim for compensation.
- An employee who deliberately violates their employer's rules and standards of conduct, leading to termination and denial of unemployment compensation.
- An attorney who uses deceptive or reprehensible methods to persuade a court or jury.
These examples illustrate how willful misconduct involves intentional and voluntary actions that go beyond mere negligence or mistakes. It shows deliberate disregard for the safety or interests of others, which can have serious consequences.
willful infringement |
willful misconduct of an employee