What term is used for a criminal act committed by a public servant?

The term used for a criminal act committed by a public servant is malfeasance. This refers to the wrongdoing or illegal act performed by someone in a position of authority or public office. Malfeasance specifically involves actions that are unlawful and performed with the intention of harming others or benefiting oneself improperly while neglecting the duties of the office. This is important in understanding accountability within public service roles, as it emphasizes that public servants are held to higher standards due to their positions of trust and authority.

Misconduct generally refers to improper or unethical behavior but doesn't necessarily imply a criminal act. A felony denotes a serious crime that is punishable by significant penalties, but it is not specific to public servants. Malpractice usually pertains to professional negligence or incompetence in a professional setting, often in healthcare or legal professions, rather than being a direct term for acts performed by public servants.