Legal Definitions - irregularity

An irregularity refers to an action, procedure, or condition that deviates from established rules, standard practices, or expected conduct. It signifies a departure from what is considered normal, proper, or legally prescribed in a given situation. While not always indicative of wrongdoing or illegality, an irregularity often signals a potential issue that requires review or correction.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Procedural Error in a Legal Case

  During a criminal trial, it is discovered that the court clerk failed to properly notify one of the defense witnesses about their subpoena, preventing them from testifying. Court rules mandate that all subpoenaed witnesses must receive timely and correct notification.

  Explanation: This situation represents an irregularity because the court clerk's failure to properly notify the witness deviates from the established legal procedure for ensuring all parties have the opportunity to present their case and for witnesses to fulfill their legal obligation. It's a departure from the normal and required conduct of court administration.

• Example 2: Deviation in Financial Reporting

  A company's annual audit reveals that several expense reports were approved by a manager who was also the recipient of the reimbursement, contrary to the company's internal policy requiring a supervisor at a higher level to approve all employee expense claims.

  Explanation: This is an irregularity because the approval process deviated from the company's standard financial control procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure proper oversight. It's a departure from the expected and prescribed conduct for financial approvals.

• Example 3: Election Process Anomaly

  In a municipal election, a local polling station ran out of official ballots two hours before closing time, forcing some voters to use photocopied ballots or turn away without voting. Election laws require that all polling stations maintain an adequate supply of official ballots throughout the entire voting period.

  Explanation: This constitutes an irregularity because the polling station's operation deviated significantly from the legally mandated conduct for ensuring fair and accessible elections. Running out of official ballots is a departure from the normal and required procedure for managing a polling place.