Legal Definitions - graft

Definition:

1. The act of using a position of power or trust to dishonestly gain money or property, especially when a public official fraudulently acquires public funds.
2. Money or property that is gained illegally or unfairly.

Examples:

• A politician who takes bribes in exchange for awarding government contracts is guilty of graft.
• A company that uses illegal means to gain a competitive advantage over its rivals is engaging in graft.

These examples illustrate how graft involves using one's position or power to gain an unfair advantage or profit. In the case of the politician, they are abusing their authority to enrich themselves at the expense of the public. In the case of the company, they are breaking the law to gain an advantage over their competitors, which is unfair to those who play by the rules.