coercion

In one sentence

Forcing someone to do something against their will through threats or pressure.

Plain English

Coercion is the act of compelling someone to do something by using force, threats, intimidation, or other pressure. In criminal law, coercion can be a defense—if someone forced you to commit a crime under threat of harm to you or someone else, you might not be guilty. Coercion can also be a crime itself, such as extortion or blackmail.

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Example

A gang member threatens to harm a store owner's family unless the owner lets them use the store as a front for illegal activity. The owner complies out of fear. The owner might have a coercion defense if charged with participating in the illegal activity, because the gang member forced them to act.

Used in a sentence

“The defendant claimed coercion, arguing that threats against his children forced him to help with the robbery.”

Related terms

Duress

Forcing someone to sign a contract through threats or coercion.

domestic violence

Criminal conduct involving abuse between intimate partners, family members, or household members.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

guilty plea

A defendant's admission in court that they committed the crime(s) charged, typically resulting in conviction without trial.

alibi defense

A claim that the defendant was somewhere else when the crime occurred.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

Felony

A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.