barratry

noun3

1. •
   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. — 1959
2. •
   Unlawful or fraudulent acts by the crew of a vessel, harming the vessel's owner.
3. •
   The sale or purchase of religious or political positions of power.