Malfeasance is the intentional wrongdoing or misconduct, especially by a public official or someone in a position of authority. It involves an act that is illegal, wrongful, or knowingly done beyond one's legal or moral rights, and typically causes harm or damage—monetary, physical, or otherwise—to others. It differs from related terms like:
- Nonfeasance: failing to act when there is a duty to do so.
- Misfeasance: performing a lawful act improperly or negligently without intent to cause harm.
Malfeasance implies willful and deliberate misconduct or illegal actions. Examples include embezzlement by an employee, abuse of power by a public official, or corporate frauds such as Ponzi schemes. It usually involves dishonesty and illegality and often results in legal consequences or lawsuits. In summary, malfeasance is knowingly doing something harmful or illegal, particularly in a role of trust or authority. It carries a higher degree of culpability than mere negligence or failure to act. This concept is important in legal, corporate, and governmental contexts to hold responsible parties accountable for intentional wrongdoing.