Quid pro quo

Quid pro quo (Latin for "this for that", many times understood by English speakers as "what for what" or "something for something") is used to mean, in the English speaking world, a favour for a favour (in other linguistic contexts, such as Portuguese and French, it means a misunderstanding, a confusion - to take the this for a that). Quid pro quo is a legal term for the transaction of valued items or favours, in return for giving something of value. For a contract to be binding, it usually must involve consideration, that is, the exchange of something of quantifiable value, however, quid pro quo is widely used in the context of describing political favours, as given in apparent exchange for money. It is also widely known as one of the two legally recognized types of sexual harassment.

Related Topics:
Latin - English - Portuguese - French - Contract - Consideration

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For democratic public officials with special powers of government, favours given in quid pro quo constitute a breach of the public trust and a dishonest circumventing of the democratic process for special interests. In the context of political favours, quid pro quo, being secretive, may find widely varied avenues for how such transactions (believed quid pro quo) might take place. Among these are straight favours for cash transactions, political campaign contributions, third-party campaigns and related assistance, and favours for favours (quite common in government). The last, favours for favours, refers to officials of different capacities, each in league with special interests, similar or otherwise; exchanging favours, based on an estimated equality of their value.

Related Topics:
Public trust - Democratic process - Special interest

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See: campaign finance reform, Eye for Eye

Related Topics:
Campaign finance reform - Eye for Eye

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