Ohio Correctional Officer Practice Exam

Which term describes the act of committing an unlawful act?

1. Non-feasance

2. Misfeasance

3. Malfeasance

4. Overreach

The correct answer is: Malfeasance

The term that describes the act of committing an unlawful act is "malfeasance." This refers specifically to the performance of an act that is illegal or wrongful in the context of one’s official duties. Malfeasance involves doing something that a person is legally allowed to do, but doing it in a way that is unlawful or harmful. In contrast, other terms such as non-feasance refers to the failure to act where there is a duty to act, misfeasance indicates improper performance of a lawful act, and overreach often describes actions taken beyond legal boundaries, but it does not specifically denote unlawful acts themselves. Thus, malfeasance is the most accurate term for the act of committing something unlawful while in a position of authority or responsibility.