Prevarication is the crime committed by a public official who uses his position and power to satisfy personal interests, delaying or failing to carry out his professional duties.
Malfeasance is the act of malfeasance, which consists of betray and disrespect an order or duty, acting in bad faith and against good customs, ethics and morals.
In politics and in the legal sphere, malfeasance is a crime committed by a Public Administration employee who abuses his power, causing social and economic damage to the country.
See also:meaning of prevaricate.
O crime of malfeasance is provided for in article 319 of the Brazilian Penal Code (Law No. 2,848, of December 7, 1940).
"Art. 319 - Delay or fail to unduly practice an official act, or practice it against an express provision of law, to satisfy personal interest or feeling."
The penalty provided for this type of functional crime can vary between 3 (three) months to 1 (one) year in prison.
Some of the main synonyms for malfeasance are: corruption, debauchery and depravity.
Etymologically, the word prevarication originated from the Latin praevaricare, which means "to deviate from the right path" or "to fail in the duties of the office".
See also:meaning of corruption.