Extortion vs coercion3/18/2023 ![]() ![]() Below we'll discuss the meaning of coercion in the law, including state and federal statutes as well as contract coercion law. ![]() This is a classic example of coercion, wherein one party uses intimidation or threats to force someone to act against their will.Īlthough a wide range of acts may broadly be considered coercion, laws and legal definitions provide more clarity as to what constitutes a civil wrong or a crime (or a defense to criminal charges in some instances). Mark knows it's a violation of school policy to help another student cheat, but he also doesn't want another bloody nose so, he relents and gives Brett his homework. (Related: Probation vs.Brett the schoolyard bully pulls Mark aside and threatens to beat him up if he doesn't let him copy his homework. While felony offenses are punishable with a prison sentence anywhere from a year to a lifetime. The circumstances of each case will also be taken into account to determine whether the crime committed is a mere misdemeanor or a felony.įor misdemeanor charges, the punishment usually involves a small fine and a prison sentence of no more than a year. As such, they’re punishable by law.Īs mentioned, each state has its own statutes concerning bribery and extortion. While quid pro quo isn’t necessarily illegal, bribery and extortion are both criminal offenses. In other words, both parties benefit and there is no coercion involved. Quid pro quo, on the other hand, is a mutual agreement between two parties. Meaning, only one party is at an advantage. With extortion, one party is coerced and sometimes harassed to give in to the demands of the extorter. While quid pro quo is an exchange of favors. ExtortionĪs I’ve said, extortion involves the use of force or threats to demand something from someone. As such, both the police and the person who paid them are criminally liable. However, if the said witness paid the police to escape any legal liability, then that is both quid pro quo and bribery. This isn’t necessarily illegal and it’s also a common practice by the police. But it does not constitute bribery since the police did not receive anything that unjustly enriched them. The main difference between them, however, is that bribery is a criminal offense while quid pro quo isn’t necessarily illegal.įor instance, the police making deals with a witness is quid pro quo. Bribery itself is also a form of quid pro quo, though not all acts of quid pro quo can be considered bribery. Quid Pro Quoīribery and quid pro quo both involve offering something in exchange for a favor. ![]() Meaning, it is voluntarily given, not coerced through force or threats. Remember that bribery is offering something in exchange for a favor. Or when a boss raises the salary of an employee in exchange for sexual favors.įrom the definitions above, the main difference between extortion and bribery is the use of threat or violence. One good example of this is when the police make a deal with a witness to lower their sentence in exchange for their testimony. So by definition, quid pro quo is something given in return for something received. The term “quid pro quo” is a Latin phrase that can be loosely translated to “something for something”. This is why in most jurisdictions, bribery is a crime, and both the offeror and the recipient can be charged. What is Bribery?īy law, bribery is defined as the act of offering or soliciting money, or anything of value to influence the actions of someone holding a public position. So the punishments and jail time tend to vary across the country. But if it involves grave coercion, you could be facing a felony.Įvery state has its own statutes on coercion too. If it’s not that serious, you may only be charged with a misdemeanor. The punishment will depend on the circumstances of the crime. In most places, extortion is a criminal offense. The act of threatening and demanding money constitutes extortion. It can either be money, things, or favors.įor instance, you threaten someone with bodily harm or destruction of property unless they give you money. What is Extortion?Īccording to the dictionary, extortion is the act of obtaining something through force or threats. So before you interchange them again, let’s differentiate extortion vs. Though they’re often used interchangeably, these three terms actually mean different things. But is there any difference between these three? When someone unjustly enriches himself or herself at the expense of other people, they could be engaging in either extortion, bribery, or quid pro quo. ![]()
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