What does gratuity refer to in legal terms?

In legal terms, gratuity refers to any promise of value for official duties, which encompasses the idea of receiving something of value in exchange for a service performed in an official capacity. This definition aligns with concerns about ethics and the potential for conflicts of interest when officials accept gifts or benefits that could influence their duties or decisions. Legal frameworks often seek to regulate such gratuities to maintain integrity and public trust in official actions, preventing abuse of power or favoritism. This is why understanding the nuance of gratuity is essential, especially for public servants who may be subject to strict rules governing what they may accept in return for their official actions.