Which term refers specifically to the responsibility for wrongdoing?

The term that specifically refers to the responsibility for wrongdoing is liability. In legal contexts, liability involves being legally responsible for one's actions or failures to act, which can result in being obligated to compensate another party for harm or damages caused.

Liability can arise in various scenarios, such as contractual obligations, torts (civil wrongs), or statutory violations. It encompasses both civil liability, where one party seeks compensation from another, and criminal liability, where an individual can face prosecution for actions deemed harmful to society.

The other terms mentioned have different meanings. Libel refers to a damaging written false statement about someone, malfeasance is an act of wrongdoing, especially by a public official, and a lien is a legal right or interest that a lender has in the borrower’s property, granted until the debt obligation is satisfied. Therefore, understanding liability is crucial as it directly connects to the legal accountability for wrongs and harms caused by individuals or entities.