Misfeasance is best described as which?

• A. A individual improperly does something they have the legal right to do
• B. A individual fails to perform a duty
• C. A individual commits a crime
• D. A individual performs a dangerous act intentionally

Answer: (A)

Misfeasance occurs when you perform a task you are legally allowed to do, but do it in an improper or negligent manner. This matches the idea of acting within your authority yet executing the action incorrectly. Not acting at all is nonfeasance—a failure to perform a duty. Committing a crime would be malfeasance or illegal conduct, not simply improper execution of a legal act. Deliberately doing a dangerous act points to intentional wrongdoing or recklessness, which is different from misfeasance. So, the description that you improperly do something you have the legal right to do best captures the concept.