What does bribery of a public official entail according to MCL 750.117?

Bribery of a public official, as outlined in MCL 750.117, specifically involves the act of providing something of value with the intent to influence the official's conduct in their role as a public servant. This definition captures the essence of bribery, which is the exchange of value to sway decisions or actions in favor of the individual offering the bribe.

The focus on intent is critical; it distinguishes bribery from lawful gifts or expressions of gratitude. In this context, a mere offering without conditions does not constitute bribery, as the aimed influence on official conduct is absent. Similarly, gifting as a form of appreciation falls short because it lacks the intent to impact decisions in a professional capacity. Paying fines to avoid prosecution does not align with the definition of bribery either, as this scenario pertains more to legal penalties than to attempts at influencing official duties. Thus, the most accurate description of bribery in this legal context is the act of providing something of value with the intention of altering an official's conduct.