Which term means the commission of an unlawful act by a public official?

Which term means the commission of an unlawful act by a public official?

• A. Negligence
• B. Malfeasance
• C. Indict
• D. Liability

Answer: (B)

Malfeasance means a public official commits an unlawful act. It specifically describes wrongdoing carried out in an official role, such as using authority to break the law. In fire inspection and code enforcement, examples would include accepting bribes to overlook violations or falsifying inspection results. Negligence is failing to exercise reasonable care, which isn’t necessarily illegal. Indictment is the formal charging process, not the act itself. Liability is the legal responsibility for damages, not the act of wrongdoing. So the term that fits best is malfeasance.

Malfeasance means a public official commits an unlawful act. It specifically describes wrongdoing carried out in an official role, such as using authority to break the law. In fire inspection and code enforcement, examples would include accepting bribes to overlook violations or falsifying inspection results. Negligence is failing to exercise reasonable care, which isn’t necessarily illegal. Indictment is the formal charging process, not the act itself. Liability is the legal responsibility for damages, not the act of wrongdoing. So the term that fits best is malfeasance.