: a person who has been legally elected or appointed to office and who exercises governmental functions
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebRobert Malone, who is white and still worked for the Atlanta Police Department when the May 5 encounter occurred, was also accused of violation of oath by a public officer, cruelty to children and possession of a firearm, jail records show. Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 3 Sep. 2022 Crowder now faces four counts of violation of oath by a public officer, four counts of items prohibited for possession by inmates and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Landon Mion, Fox News, 3 Aug. 2022 Both men are charged with bribery, trading with inmates without consent of the warden or superintendent, items prohibited for possession by inmates and violation of oath of a public officer. Landon Mion, Fox News, 3 Aug. 2022 Anderson is also charged with violation of oath by a public officer. Tanasia Kenney The Charlotte Observer (tns), al, 27 July 2022 In 2019, Wilson Riles, who was a council member from 1979 to 1992, was arrested on charges of obstructing a public officer and battery of a police officer. Sarah Ravani, San Francisco Chronicle, 19 July 2022 Solo was also charged with misdemeanor child abuse and resisting a public officer, though her attorney said those charges were voluntarily dismissed, according to the Journal. Tommy Mcardle, PEOPLE.com, 27 July 2022 She was also charged with resisting a public officer and child abuse, but those charges were dropped as part of her plea agreement, according to the Times. Brendan Morrow, The Week, 26 July 2022 Solo also was charged with misdemeanor child abuse and resisting a public officer in connection with the March 31 incident.San Francisco Chronicle, 25 July 2022 See More
Word History
First Known Use
1606, in the meaning defined above
Legal Definition
public officer
noun
: a person who has been elected or appointed to a public office