What is the ruling on contemporary bribery in Islam?

Bribery is forbidden in Islamic law and is considered one of the major sins. It involves offering money or a benefit to a judge or an authority figure to unlawfully obtain something or to avoid a mandatory obligation. An exception to this is made for someone who pays money to avert injustice or to secure a legitimate right that cannot be obtained otherwise. In this case, the payer is not considered a briber, while the recipient is considered the bribee.