Corruption (Sociology)

A word that describes an individual or an entire system not performing its duties as required or performing such duties unlawfully or improperly. In the criminal justice system, police corruption occurs when a police unit or police officers perform their job improperly by taking bribes, using their power to engage in criminal activity, engaging in brutality against suspects, planting evidence, and so forth. Corruption can exist in the court system if prosecutors fail to prosecute cases or engage in malicious prosecution or if jury members or judges are bribed or coerced. In corrections, corrupt correctional officers may physically or sexually abuse inmates, bring contraband into the prison for profit, and so forth. Corrupt politicians may vote for or against a piece of legislation for financial or personal gain. Corruption is an extremely serious charge as it undermines the fabric of the government's system of social control.