What is defined as violations of criminal laws such as bribery or theft?

The correct answer is based on the understanding of terms related to behavior that breaches legal statutes. Criminal acts explicitly refer to actions that violate established criminal laws, which can include a variety of offenses such as bribery, theft, fraud, assault, and more. These activities are typically prosecuted under criminal law and often result in imprisonment, fines, or other forms of punishment deemed appropriate by the justice system.

The focus on "criminal acts" emphasizes that these behaviors are not merely unethical but are recognized by law as offenses that disrupt social order and public trust. It is not just the nature of the act, but rather its classification under the legal system that categorizes these behaviors as criminal.

In contrast, other options such as negligence on duty may refer to failures in performance or adherence to duties without necessarily involving illegal conduct. Personal gain implies actions taken for one’s own benefit but does not inherently define them as criminal without specific legal violations. Illegal activities can be a broader category that encompasses criminal acts but is less specific. Thus, "criminal acts" accurately captures the essence of legally recognized wrongdoings like bribery or theft by classifying them as offenses against the law.