What encompasses "Coercion" in its legal context?

Coercion in the legal context is defined as a form of pressure that involves threats or intimidation aimed at influencing someone’s actions or decisions against their will. This type of pressure undermines voluntary choice and consent, as it creates an environment where an individual feels compelled to act in a certain way due to fear of negative consequences or harm.

The distinction between coercion and other forms of influence, such as negotiation or persuasion, is crucial. While negotiation may involve discussions and compromises without any threat, and persuasion seeks to convince someone through reason or argument, coercion not only involves an aggressive pursuit of compliance but also can invoke legal implications due to its forceful nature. Thus, coercion is characterized by its essence of intimidation and pressure, which is why describing it as involving threats or intimidation accurately captures its legal definition.