Definitions of misdirection
(of a judge) the act of giving a jury the wrong instructions
It was a misdirection to tell the jury as a matter of law that they must convict the appellant if they found that he had spoken the words alleged.
the act of stating something that is not true or that is misleading (=intended or likely to make someone believe something that is incorrect or not true)
Public discussion by these "leaders" has provided a remarkable display of misdirection, misleading and outright lying.
the wrongful use or application of something
This project is a clear misdirection of public funds.