Legal Definitions - corruptly

The term corruptly describes an action performed with a wrongful, dishonest, or improper intent, usually to gain an unfair personal advantage. In legal contexts, particularly in criminal law, it signifies that an individual acted with a specific bad purpose, often involving a desire for financial gain, power, or some other undue benefit, rather than by accident or mistake.

Here are some examples to illustrate what it means to act "corruptly":

• Example 1: Public Official Misconduct

  A city planning commissioner votes to approve a controversial zoning change for a new luxury apartment complex. It is later revealed that the commissioner had secretly accepted a substantial sum of money from the developer just days before the vote, and that the developer had also promised them a lucrative consulting position once they left public office. The commissioner knew this payment and promise were intended to influence their decision.

  Explanation: The commissioner acted corruptly because their decision was driven by a wrongful desire for personal financial gain (the money and future job), rather than an impartial assessment of the public interest or the merits of the zoning change. Their intent was to benefit themselves improperly.

• Example 2: Corporate Bribery

  A procurement manager at a large manufacturing company consistently awards supply contracts to a particular vendor, even though other vendors offer higher quality materials at lower prices. An internal audit later uncovers that the procurement manager's sibling is a silent partner in the favored vendor company, and the manager receives a percentage of the profits from every contract awarded to that vendor.

  Explanation: The procurement manager acted corruptly by making business decisions that were not in the best interest of their employer, but rather to wrongfully secure personal financial advantage through their sibling's company. Their actions were motivated by a dishonest intent to benefit themselves.

• Example 3: Obstruction of Justice

  During a criminal investigation, a suspect approaches a key witness and offers them a significant amount of cash, along with threats of harm, if they refuse to testify or if they provide false testimony that exonerates the suspect. The suspect's goal is to prevent damaging evidence from being presented in court and avoid conviction.

  Explanation: The suspect acted corruptly because they attempted to influence the legal process through bribery and intimidation, driven by a wrongful desire to gain an unfair advantage (avoiding prosecution) by obstructing justice. Their intent was to subvert the truth for personal benefit.