Misfeasance in Public Office Abuse Of Public Office Malfeasance In Public Office Public Officer Misconduct Official Misconduct Misfeasance in public office is a legal cause of action in some jurisdictions (e.g., United Kingdom), where a public officer abuses their position by acting unlawfully with malice or reckless disregard for the harm caused. This tort requires proof of deliberate wrongful conduct by the officer, resulting in damage to the claimant.