Taking part
conflict of interest
A personal or financial stake that could improperly influence an official's decision. Handled by disclosure, recusal, divestment, or a waiver.
In full
Federal criminal law bars an executive branch employee from participating personally in a matter affecting their own financial interest. Members of Congress are covered by chamber ethics rules and financial disclosure rather than that statute. The remedy is usually recusal or divestiture, and blind trusts are used for senior officials.
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.