willful misconduct

[WIL-fuhl mis-KUN-dukt]
nounpl: instances of willful misconduct
conduta dolosa; má conduta intencional
1. deliberate, intentional violation of a duty or wrongful conduct done knowingly and intentionally without justifiable excuse or lawful cause
The company was found liable for willful misconduct when it knowingly violated safety regulations.
A empresa foi considerada responsável por conduta dolosa quando violou intencionalmente as regulamentações de segurança.
2. in legal contexts, intentional disregard of good and prudent standards of conduct; reckless behavior with conscious indifference to consequences
The employee's willful misconduct resulted in termination and legal action.
A conduta intencional do funcionário resultou em demissão e ação legal.
3. deliberate breach of contract or duty with knowledge that such breach would cause harm
Willful misconduct by the contractor voided the warranty coverage.
A má conduta intencional do contratante anulou a cobertura de garantia.
This term is particularly prevalent in American legal and business contexts, appearing frequently in employment contracts, insurance policies, and liability agreements. In Brazil, 'conduta dolosa' is the standard legal term used in the Civil Code (Código Civil) and Labor Code (Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho). The distinction between willful misconduct and simple negligence is crucial in determining liability, damages, and insurance coverage in both cultures.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
intentional misconductdeliberate wrongdoinggross negligencerecklessnesswillful violation
Antonyms / Antônimos
honest conductgood faithinnocent mistakenegligenceunintentional breach

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
conduta dolosa; má conduta intencional
standard legal terminology used in civil and labor law contexts
Rio de Janeiro
conduta deliberada; má ação proposital
used in legal and business contexts; slightly more colloquial
São Paulo
conduta dolosa; infração intencional
preferred in corporate and commercial law; more formal usage
Portugal
comportamento doloso; infração intencional
European Portuguese legal terminology; uses 'comportamento' more frequently than 'conduta'

Related Words

negligencebreach of dutytortliabilityfraudgross negligencecontractual obligationlegal responsibility

Related Idioms & Phrases

knowing and willful misconduct
act in willful misconduct
with willful misconduct
in willful misconduct
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