Waste
Waste is considered the unnecessary spending or squandering of Trial Court resources, whether intentional or unintentional. Inefficient or ineffective practices may result in waste.
Examples:
- Stockpiling equipment or supplies beyond their shelf-life.
- Renewing a technical support contract for something the Trial Court no longer uses
- Excessive copying or printing of documents.
Fraud
Fraud is an intentional misrepresentation of material fact made to another person with knowledge of its falsity for the purpose of inducing the other person to act, and upon which the other person relies and consequently suffers injury or damage.
Examples:
- Embezzling or other financial irregularities.
- Forging, improperly altering, or falsifying documents.
- Falsely reporting hours or days worked.
- Buying overpriced office equipment from a favored vendor.
- Buying unnecessary equipment for personal use or gain.
- Receiving or offering bribes or kickbacks.
Abuse
Abuse is the intentional destruction, diversion, manipulation, misapplication, mistreatment, or misuse of Trial Court resources; the profligate or improper use of state property; or the extravagant or improper use of a person’s position or authority. Abuse can occur in a financial or non-financial environment.
Examples:
- Writing technical specifications or contract terms to favor a specific contractor.
- Abusing one’s authority or position.
- Soliciting or accepting gifts.
- Deliberately or recklessly damaging or improperly maintaining equipment owned or leased by the Trial Court.