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Dereliction of duty

Dereliction of duty is a specifically military offence. It includes various elements centred around the avoidance of any duty which may be properly expected.

In the US UCMJ it is contained within the regulations governing the failure to obey an order or regulation. Where an individual willfully, through negligence or culpable inefficiency fails to perform their expected duties. Ineptitude is a defence against the charge. The maximum penalty in the US is a bad-conduct discharge, forfeiture of pay and six months confinement. Acts which are derelict may be charged under more specific offences such as missing movement, noncompliance with procedural rules, misbehaviour, malingering, self-injury with intent to avoid service, or straggling.

Civilian dereliction is usually classed in common law as criminal or civil negligence, recklessness or malpractice.