{"id":352186,"date":"2023-08-21T15:33:52","date_gmt":"2023-08-21T20:33:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/what-is-coercion-law.html"},"modified":"2023-08-21T15:33:52","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T20:33:52","slug":"what-is-coercion-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/what-is-coercion-law.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is Coercion Law?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is Coercion Law?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Eric Harvey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Coercion involves using threats, intimidation, or pressure to force someone to act against their will. Both federal and state laws address coercion in areas like political activity, housing, contracts, and criminal behavior. Coercion can also be used as a legal defense if the accused can prove they acted under immediate threat and had no reasonable alternative.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

A wide range of acts can be considered coercion. Many laws and legal definitions give more clarity about what is a civil wrong or a crime.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This article discusses the meaning of coercion in the law. Learn more about:<\/p>\n