Legal Definitions - pork-barrel legislation

Definition: Pork-barrel legislation is a type of legislation that benefits a specific local district by allocating funds or resources to projects that have economic value to the district and political advantage to the district's legislator.

Example: A senator from a rural district proposes a bill that allocates funds to build a new highway in their district. The highway may not be necessary or beneficial to the entire state, but it will bring economic benefits to the senator's district and increase their chances of re-election.

This example illustrates how pork-barrel legislation can be used to benefit a specific district or legislator, rather than the entire state or country. It can also lead to wasteful spending and favoritism.