What describes malpractice in a professional context?

Malpractice in a professional context is best described as negligence by a professional person. This specifically refers to a situation where a professional, such as a doctor, lawyer, or accountant, fails to provide the standard level of care or conduct expected in their field, leading to harm or injury to a client or patient. This form of negligence could involve actions that deviate from established protocols or best practices, resulting in damage or loss.

The emphasis on negligence distinguishes malpractice from other potential issues that may arise in professional contexts. For example, intentional harmful acts, fraudulent deception, and assault without consent all involve a level of intent or direct wrongdoing that is not inherent in malpractice claims, which primarily focus on a failure to perform responsibly and competently. Therefore, while all these behaviors can have serious legal and ethical implications, malpractice is specifically centered around a breach of duty or care that leads to detrimental outcomes due to negligence.