According to the penal code, what constitutes "Coercion"?

Coercion, as outlined in the penal code, is fundamentally defined as a threat made with the intent to inflict harm or manipulate someone's actions. This means that when an individual uses a threat—whether verbal or otherwise—to compel another person to act against their will, it constitutes coercion. This can involve physical threats, intimidation, or the threat of reputational damage, which all serve to create an environment where the victim feels they have no choice but to comply.

In contrast, a promise to commit an offense in the future does not embody coercion, as it lacks the immediate element of pressure that is essential to the concept. Similarly, negotiation in legal contracts implies a voluntary and consensual discussion, which is the opposite of coercion. Lastly, a fiscal penalty imposed on offenders is a consequence of actions already taken and does not involve the dynamic of forcing someone to act against their will through threats. Thus, the essence of coercion lies in the use of threats to influence behavior, which makes this option the most accurate representation of the term in this context.