What does malfeasance refer to in tort law?

Malfeasance in tort law specifically refers to the commission of an act that is unlawful or not legally permissible. This concept often arises in the context of individuals or organizations performing actions that violate the law or infringe upon the rights of others. For instance, if a healthcare professional engages in wrongful procedures that harm a patient, this could be classified as malfeasance due to the explicit nature of their illegal actions.

The other options describe different legal concepts. For instance, failing to fulfill a legal duty pertains more to nonfeasance, where there is a failure to act when there is a duty to do so. The idea of improperly executing a legal action can also involve negligence but is not as specifically defined as malfeasance. Providing excessive aid in emergencies does not align with the definition of malfeasance; while it might have legal implications regarding liability, it generally does not constitute an illegitimate act itself.

In summary, the core of malfeasance lies in the active engagement in illegal activities, distinguishing it clearly from passive failures to act or other forms of improper conduct.