OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT AND ITS LEGAL CONSEQUENCES

Official misconduct represents one of the most significant challenges within modern criminal law systems, as it directly affects the functioning of public administration, the rule of law, and public trust in state institutions. This article examines the concept of official misconduct, its legal nature, and its regulation under the current criminal legislation. Particular attention is given to forms of abuse of official authority, including abuse of power, negligence in office, bribery, and exceeding official powers. The study analyzes the existing legal framework and highlights both its strengths and shortcomings in practice. Despite the existence of comprehensive legal provisions, challenges remain in the effective enforcement of the law, including difficulties in evidence collection, institutional independence, and the persistence of systemic corruption risks. The article further explores development perspectives aimed at improving the legal response to official misconduct. These include strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms, enhancing transparency in public administration, improving legislative precision, and increasing the role of digital governance tools in reducing corruption risks. Overall, the paper concludes that effective prevention and prosecution of official misconduct require not only legal reforms but also institutional strengthening and increased public accountability.