How does misfeasance differ from malfeasance?

Misfeasance refers to a situation where an individual performs an act that is legal but does so in a negligent manner, resulting in harm to another person. This means that while the action taken itself might comply with the law, the way it is carried out causes injury or damage. For example, a coach may conduct a training session that adheres to regulations but fails to ensure the safety of the players, leading to an injury.

In contrast, malfeasance is typically categorized as an illegal act carried out by a person in a position of authority or trust, which directly causes harm and is a violation of the law. Nonfeasance, on the other hand, involves a failure to act when there is a duty to do so, which can also lead to harm but does not involve a legal act performed improperly.

Understanding this distinction is essential for grasping concepts related to legal responsibilities and ethical standards in health education and related fields.