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 among rulers and officials. Its global significance gained prominence during the 20th century, as international human rights movements and post-war tribunals exposed systemic abuses within governments, law enforcement, and organizations. Growing media coverage and whistleblower revelations in recent decades have further deepened public awareness, prompting international bodies to address the issue through conventions and monitoring mechanisms.

Incidence

Abuse of authority is a pervasive issue affecting both public and private sectors worldwide, with documented cases in government, law enforcement, corporate environments, and international organizations. Reports from Transparency International and Human Rights Watch indicate that millions are impacted annually, with incidents ranging from police brutality and judicial misconduct to workplace harassment and misuse of power in humanitarian agencies. The problem undermines trust in institutions and impedes social and economic development on a global scale.
In 2023, a high-profile case emerged in Mexico, where several senior officials in the National Migration Institute were arrested for allegedly abusing their authority by detaining migrants unlawfully and extorting bribes, drawing international condemnation.

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 isolated incidents 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.