Criminal offences committed by authorized officials: A critical review of the mechanism of criminal law protection against corruption

Abstract

Criminal offences committed in official capacity represent different kinds and forms of abuse of an official position or public authorities in the course of exercising official duties being performed by the authorized persons as holders of those authorities. These criminal offences imply a violation or endangerment of an official duty itself in terms of its proper, expedient, efficient and lawful functioning. The appearance of abuse, autocracy and corruption of the state authorities and their officials can be interpreted as a betrayal of public trust, which undermines the reputation of individuals and, in some cases, the authority of the entire government. The authorized officials or responsible persons often make decisions in their own interests, and not for the well - being of the citizens. Every violation and abuse of these authorities are considered to be dangerous and unlawful. Therefore, the state envisages relevant sanctions fort the perpetrators of these criminal offences. OUR modern criminal legislation envisages a system of criminal offences committed in official capacity, as well as criminal sanctions for the perpetrators. This paper discusses the concept, characteristics and classification of criminal offences against the official duty.