What defines a conflict of interest?

A conflict of interest is primarily defined as a situation where an individual's private interests—whether personal, financial, or otherwise—are at odds with their obligations to serve the public or their professional duties. This can lead to decisions that are not based on the best interests of the public or the entity for which they work.

In this context, when someone has a financial stake or personal connection that could influence their judgment or actions, it highlights a fundamental issue: the potential for corrupt or biased decision-making due to competing interests. Recognizing and managing these conflicts is crucial in various fields, especially in law, healthcare, and public service, to maintain integrity and trust.

The other options reflect different contexts and situations that do not encapsulate the concept of a conflict of interest. For instance, opposing legal claims or disputes requiring mediation involve direct disputes between parties but do not inherently relate to conflicting personal and professional interests. Ethical dilemmas, while significant, may not specifically address the private-public interest dynamic, and certainly, not all ethical dilemmas occur within the judicial system itself.