Legal Voca and Real World Cases Week 3

Quid pro quo

A Latin term meaning “this for that”; in law, it refers to exchanging something of value for a favor or service, often illicitly.

Harassment

Unwelcome behavior, often repeated, that demeans, threatens, or offends another person, particularly in the workplace.

Coercion

The act of forcing someone to act against his will through pressure, threats, or intimidation. 

Retaliation

Punitive action taken against someone for reporting misconduct or exercising legal rights. 

Hostile work environment

A workplace where harassment or discriminatory conduct is so severe or pervasive that it affects an employee’s ability to work. 

Discrimination

Unequal treatment based on characteristics such as sex, race, or religion, often prohibited by law in employment. 

Overtime abuse

Misuse of work hours reported as overtime, often to receive inflated pay not earned through actual additional work.

Misconduct

Improper or unlawful behavior by a professional or official, often leading to disciplinary or legal action.

Affidavit

A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court.

Credibility

The quality of being trusted or believed, often central in evaluating testimony in legal proceedings. 

Resignation

Voluntary departure from a position or job, sometimes under pressure due to scandal or misconduct. 

Disciplinary action

Official measures taken against an employee for violating rules, which may include suspension or termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission(EEOC)

A U.S. federal agency that enforces civil rights laws against workplace discrimination. 

Whistleblower

A person who exposes wrongdoing within an organization, often protected under federal law. 

Consent

Voluntary agreement to engage in an activity; in law, it must be informed and free of coercion. 

Jurisdiction

The legal authority a court or agency has to hear a case and make decisions.

Subordinate

An employee who ranks below another in an organization and may be subject to orders from a superior.

Investigation

A formal inquiry to uncover facts related to potential wrongdoing, often conducted by an internal or legal authority.

Fiduciary duty

A legal obligation to act in the best interest of another party, often applied to public officials or trustees.

Public trust

The expectation that government officials will act honestly and in the public’s best interest. 

Exploitation

Taking unfair advantage of a person or situation for personal gain.

Manipulate

To influence or control something or someone, often in a clever or dishonest way. 

Degenerate

A morally corrupt person; used in the op-ed as a strong condemnation of alleged behavior. 

Pattern of conduct

A repeated or predictable set of behaviors that may indicate intent or institutional culture. 

Institutional failure

A breakdown in systems, policies, or leadership that allows misconduct to go unaddressed or repeated.