THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT) Act 328 of 1931
750.117 Public officer; bribery. Sec. 117.
Bribery of public officer: Any person who shall corruptly give, offer or promise to any public officer, agent, servant or employee, after the election or appointment of such public officer, agent, servant or employee and either before or after such public officer, agent, servant or employee shall have been qualified or shall take his seat, any gift, gratuity, money, property or other valuable thing, the intent or purpose of which is to influence the act, vote, opinion, decision or judgment of such public officer, agent, servant or employee, or his action on any matter, question, cause or proceeding, which may be pending or may by law be brought before him in his public capacity, or the purpose and intent of which is to influence any act or omission relating to any public duty of such officer, agent, servant or employee, shall be guilty of a felony.
History: 1931, Act 328, Eff. Sept. 18, 1931 ;-- CL 1948, 750.117 Former Law: See section 7 of Ch. 156 of R.S. 1846, being CL 1857, § 5826; CL 1871, § 7659; How., § 9241; CL 1897, § 11311; CL 1915, § 14978; and CL 1929, § 16569.
Understanding Michigan Law on Bribery of Public Officers: Section 750.117 of the Michigan Penal Code Simplified
Section 750.117 of the Michigan Penal Code addresses the illegal act of bribing a public officer. Here's a simplified explanation:
Unlawful Actions:
- It's illegal for any person to corruptly give, offer, or promise any gift, gratuity, money, property, or other valuable thing to a public officer, agent, servant, or employee. This is applicable after the election or appointment of the public official and can occur either before or after the public official is officially qualified or takes his/her seat.
- The intention behind this act must be to influence the act, vote, opinion, decision, or judgment of the public officer, agent, servant, or employee, or their action on any matter, question, cause, or proceeding that may be pending or may by law be brought before them in their public capacity.
- It is also illegal if the purpose and intent behind the act is to influence any act or omission relating to any public duty of the officer, agent, servant, or employee.
Penalties:
- A person found guilty of bribing a public officer is considered to have committed a felony.
The Importance of Understanding Section 750.117
This law is crucial as it safeguards the integrity of public officers, ensuring they carry out their duties without undue influence or corruption. By defining bribery clearly and establishing it as a felony, the law works to deter potential offenders and uphold the transparency and honesty expected of those in public service under Michigan law.