Legal Definitions - misfeasance in public office

Definition:Misfeasance in public office is a legal term that refers to the wrongful or improper exercise of power by a public official. This can include actions that are excessive, malicious, or negligent, and can result in harm to individuals or the public as a whole. It is also known as malfeasance.

Examples:

• A police officer who uses excessive force during an arrest, causing injury to the suspect.
• A government official who accepts bribes in exchange for awarding contracts to certain companies.
• A judge who shows bias in a case, favoring one party over the other.

These examples illustrate how misfeasance in public office can occur in different ways and can have serious consequences. In each case, the public official has abused their power and acted in a way that is contrary to their duties and responsibilities. This can result in harm to individuals, damage to public trust, and a loss of confidence in the government and its institutions.