Concept of Coercion
In contract law, coercion is the act of compelling someone to enter into a contract against their will by using force, threats, or undue pressure. As a result, the individual is deprived of exercising independent judgment and freely consenting to the terms of the contract. Physical violence, blackmail, intimidation, or threats of harm may all constitute forms of coercion.
An act of coercion, such as the use of force or threats, is required to establish coercion. It can be overt or covert, but it must be sufficient to influence the decision-making process of the coerced party. In addition, the coerced party must be threatened with imminent harm. It may be directed at the coerced party themselves, their family, reputation, or property. Finally, there must be a causal link between the threat and the contract. The coerced party must demonstrate that they would not have entered into the contract if not for the threat.