Under Official Oppression, which action by a public servant is prohibited?

• A. Subjecting another to mistreatment or to arrest, detention, search, dispossession, assessment, or lien that he knows is unlawful
• B. Denies or impedes another in the exercise or enjoyment of any right, privilege, power or immunity, knowing his conduct is unlawful
• C. Subjecting another to sexual harassment
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Official Oppression covers misuse of public power in ways that infringe another person’s rights. A public servant acts unlawfully when they mistreat someone by arresting, detaining, searching, dispossessing, assessing, or placing a lien on them that they know is unlawful. They also violate this offense by denying or impeding another’s exercise or enjoyment of any right, privilege, power, or immunity, and by engaging in sexual harassment of another person. The key element in each scenario is the public servant acting under color of office with knowledge that their conduct is unlawful and with intent to deprive, hinder, or oppress the person. Because all three types of conduct fit those elements, the prohibition covers each, making all of the described actions prohibited.