barratry

The act of persistently instigating lawsuits, often groundless ones.

[Deacon Mushrat to Pogo:] The Machiavellian barratry of a pettifogging public has maundered into do-nothingism.

The sale or purchase of religious or political positions of power.

Unlawful or fraudulent acts by the crew of a vessel, harming the vessel's owner.