Neglect of Duty in a White Coat: The Reflections of Turkish Penal Code Article 257 in Health Law
Abstract
This review evaluates the offense of abuse of office regulated under Article 257 of the Turkish Penal Code (TPC) in the specific context of healthcare professionals. As a specific offense restricted to public officials, Article 257 applies where, in the performance of official duties, a person (i) acts contrary to the requirements of the office (TPC Art. 257/1) or (ii) neglects or delays the fulfillment of those requirements (TPC Art. 257/2). Criminal liability arises when such conduct results in harm to individuals, damage to the public, or the provision of an unjust benefit to others. The review analyzes leading applications of this offense in the health sector through selected decisions of the Court of Cassation. Emphasis is placed on Article 257(2) abuse of office by omission, examining the requisite element of intent (mens rea), breaches of the duty of care and diligence, and the distinction between negligent and intentional conduct, as illuminated by case facts and expert/forensic reports. The analysis further delineates the boundary between penal law and disciplinary law, underscoring that certain forms of misconduct should be addressed solely as disciplinary offenses. Finally, the review identifies recurring classification conflicts between negligent offenses and Article 257 in cases involving harm caused by negligence or carelessness in medical interventions and notes the Court of Cassation’s settled jurisprudence on these issues. The review aims to guide legal practitioners in assessing the criminal liability of healthcare professionals and to inform investigators and disciplinary authorities in administrative proceedings.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Clinical Sciences (Other)
Journal Section
Letter to Editor
Authors
Early Pub Date
February 25, 2026
Publication Date
February 25, 2026
Submission Date
August 20, 2025
Acceptance Date
January 10, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 20 Number: 1