Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: substitute application
Color of office: When someone pretends to have the authority to do something because of their job, but they don't actually have that authority, it's called "color of office." This is usually used to describe when a government worker does something wrong, like asking for money or doing something illegal.
Definition: Color of office refers to when a person pretends to have the authority of a government employee and takes actions that are not authorized.
For example, if a police officer demands money from someone in exchange for not giving them a ticket, they are acting under the color of office. Another example is if a government official uses their position to get a job for a family member, even though they are not qualified for the position.
These examples show how someone can abuse their position of power and use it for personal gain, which is not allowed and can be considered a form of official misconduct.