Legal Definitions - briber

A briber is an individual or entity who attempts to improperly influence the actions or decisions of another person, typically someone in a position of authority or trust, by offering them something of value. This offer is made with the expectation of gaining an unfair advantage, a favorable decision, or a specific action in return.

Here are some examples to illustrate this term:

• Example 1: A real estate developer offers a city council member a substantial cash payment in exchange for their vote to approve a controversial rezoning request that would significantly increase the value of the developer's property.
  Explanation: In this scenario, the real estate developer is the briber because they are offering money to influence the council member's official decision for their own financial gain.
• Example 2: The owner of a restaurant facing a health inspection offers the inspecting official a gift certificate for free meals for a year at their establishment, hoping the official will overlook minor code violations.
  Explanation: The restaurant owner acts as the briber by presenting a valuable offer (free meals) with the intent of influencing the health inspector's report and securing a favorable outcome.
• Example 3: A student's parent offers a university admissions officer a large donation to the university's endowment fund, explicitly stating that the donation is contingent upon their child being admitted, despite the child's academic record being below the typical admission standards.
  Explanation: The parent is the briber because they are offering a significant financial contribution with the direct expectation of influencing the admissions officer's decision to grant their child an unfair advantage in the application process.