What is malfeasance?

Malfeasance refers specifically to the commission of an unlawful or wrongful act, particularly by a public official or someone in a position of authority. When a person engages in malfeasance, they not only act outside the bounds of legality but also typically do so in a manner that violates the law or the duties of their office, leading to harm or injury. In the context of emergency medical services, it can involve actions taken by a paramedic that are not only inappropriate but also explicitly against the law, which differentiates it from other types of misconduct or negligence.

The other options provided describe various aspects of actions within the realms of legality and ethics, but they do not capture the essence of malfeasance. For instance, performing a legal act unlawfully pertains more to non-malfeasance as it indicates misapplication rather than outright illegality. The failure to provide necessary care relates more to negligence, which involves a duty of care rather than an unlawful act. Performing a legal act in a harmful way could be seen as either misfeasance or nonfeasance, depending on the intent and the legal classification of the act itself. However, none of these options encapsulate the explicit essence of performing an unlawful act that malfe