Abuse of authority

Illegitimate authority
Illegal exercise or abuse of authority
Illegal use of administrative authority

Nature

Abuse of administrative authority may be divided into two types: involuntary abuse, where the administrator made a bona-fide use of his powers, which, however, departed from the intention of the legislation; and voluntary abuse, where the administrator consciously departed from the rules governing him.

Background

Abuse of authority has been documented throughout history, with early records from ancient civilizations highlighting concerns over unchecked power. Its global significance gained prominence during the 20th century, particularly following revelations of systemic abuses in government, law enforcement, and corporate sectors. International attention intensified after high-profile scandals, such as the Watergate affair and widespread police misconduct, prompting scholarly analysis and the establishment of oversight mechanisms to address the persistent and evolving nature of this problem worldwide.

Incidence

Abuse of authority is a pervasive issue affecting both public and private sectors worldwide, with incidents reported in government, law enforcement, corporate environments, and international organizations. High-profile cases have emerged across continents, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals and communities to decisions made by those in power. The problem undermines trust in institutions and often leads to social unrest, legal challenges, and significant economic costs.
In 2023, a major scandal erupted in Mexico when several senior police officials were arrested for using their positions to extort local businesses and suppress investigations into organized crime, drawing widespread condemnation and calls for systemic reform.

Claim

Human society can be neither well-ordered nor prosperous unless it has some people invested with legitimate authority to preserve its institutions and to devote themselves as far as is necessary to work and care for the good of all. These however derive their authority from God, as St. Paul teaches in the words, "Authority comes from God alone." These words of St. Paul are explained thus by St. John Chrysostom: "What are you saying? Is every ruler appointed by God? I do not say that, he replies, for I am not dealing now with individual rulers, but with authority itself. What I say is, that it is the divine wisdom and not mere chance, that has ordained that there should be government, that some should command and others obey." Moreover, since God made men social by nature, and since no society "can hold together unless some one be over all, directing all to strive earnestly for the common good, every civilized community must have a ruling authority, and this authority, no less than society itself, has its source in nature, and has, consequently, God for its author". (Papal Encyclical, Pacem in Terris, 11 April 1963).

Counter-claim

Abuse of authority is vastly overstated as a societal concern. Most leaders and officials act responsibly, and the rare instances of misconduct are blown out of proportion by sensationalist media. Strict regulations and oversight already exist, making further worry unnecessary. Focusing on this so-called problem distracts from more pressing issues. In reality, claims of widespread abuse of authority are exaggerated and do not warrant the attention or resources they currently receive.