Bribery is the "corrupt payment or receipt of anything of value in return for official action." In most states now this definition has been extended to include people who are not public officials (for example, athletes). Depending on state law, bribery can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, and in some states even the offering of a bribe can constitute bribery. In some states, too, it is considered a misdemeanor not to report a bribe (or bribe offer).

(Reviewed 12-08)