Impunity refers to the situation where individuals or groups are not held accountable for their actions, especially when those actions are harmful or illegal. For example, if a government official engages in corruption but faces no consequences, they are acting with impunity. This lack of accountability can lead to a culture of lawlessness, where people feel free to break the law without fear of punishment. When impunity is widespread, it can undermine trust in institutions like the justice system and law enforcement. Citizens may feel powerless and discouraged from reporting crimes or seeking justice, knowing that offenders are unlikely to face any repercussions for their actions.