public official
Defined in 2 dictionaries — Case Law, U.S. Code
Definitions from Case Law
From 383 U.S. 75 - Rosenblatt v. Baer · 1966Most cited · 2,032 citing opinions
the 'public official' designation applies at the very least to those among the hierarchy of government employees who have, or appear to the public to have, substantial responsibility for or control over the conduct of governmental affairs
United States Code
2 U.S.C. § 1602 — as used in this chapter (9 versions over time)
The term “public official” means any elected official, appointed official, or employee of—
(A) a Federal, State, or local unit of government in the United States other than—
(i) a college or university;
(ii) a government-sponsored enterprise (as defined in section 622(8) of this title);
(iii) a public utility that provides gas, electricity, water, or communications;
(iv) a guaranty agency (as defined in section 1085(j) of title 20), including any affiliate of such an agency; or
(v) an agency of any State functioning as a student loan secondary market pursuant to section 1085(d)(1)(F) of title 20;
(B) a Government corporation (as defined in section 9101 of title 31);
(C) an organization of State or local elected or appointed officials other than officials of an entity described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v) of subparagraph (A);
(D) an Indian tribe (as defined in section 5304(e) of title 25; 1
(E) a national or State political party or any organizational unit thereof; or
(F) a national, regional, or local unit of any foreign government, or a group of governments acting together as an international organization.
18 U.S.C. § 201 — in this section
the term “public official” means Member of Congress, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner, either before or after such official has qualified, or an officer or employee or person acting for or on behalf of the United States, or any department, agency or branch of Government thereof, including the District of Columbia, in any official function, under or by authority of any such department, agency, or branch of Government, or a juror;