Coercion vs. Undue Influence: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 19, 2024
Coercion involves the use of force or intimidation to obtain compliance, whereas undue influence refers to the manipulation or exploitation of another's vulnerability to gain control or compliance.
Key Differences
Coercion typically involves threats, physical force, or psychological pressure to compel someone to act against their will. It is often overt and confrontational. Undue influence, on the other hand, is subtler, involving manipulation or taking advantage of another’s weakness, trust, or dependency to gain compliance. It's more about exploiting a position of power or trust.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
In the context of coercion, the victim's consent is obtained through fear or threat, making it inherently involuntary. For example, threatening harm if a person does not comply is coercion. In undue influence, the victim may appear to consent, but this consent is undermined by the manipulative tactics used, such as exploiting a close relationship or a position of authority.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Coercion is often visible and easier to prove as it involves clear acts of pressure or intimidation. Legal systems typically recognize it as a criminal or civil offense. Conversely, undue influence is more insidious and harder to prove, as it often occurs within personal or trusted relationships, like between a caregiver and an elderly person, or a lawyer and client.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
The impact of coercion is usually immediate and apparent, leading to a direct and often adverse outcome for the victim. In contrast, undue influence can have a prolonged effect, gradually altering the victim’s decisions or behavior over time without immediate or obvious harm.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Remedies for coercion often involve criminal charges or nullifying actions taken under coercion. For undue influence, remedies might include nullifying contracts or wills made under such influence and sometimes involve legal action to recover losses or protect the vulnerable party.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Legal Recognition
Typically recognized as criminal or civil offense
More challenging to prove, often in civil cases
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
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Coercion and Undue Influence Definitions
Coercion
Coercion is compelling someone to act through threats or force.
He was coerced into signing the contract by threats to his family.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Undue Influence
Undue influence refers to exploiting a position of trust to affect someone’s decisions.
The teacher's undue influence over his students led them to adopt his controversial beliefs.
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Jan 08, 2024
Coercion
Coercion means using power or authority to impose one's will on another.
The regime used coercion to suppress dissent.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Undue Influence
Undue influence is the act of using one's relationship or position to sway someone unfairly.
The lawyer's undue influence over her elderly client raised ethical concerns.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Coercion
Coercion refers to the act of forcing someone to act against their will.
Under coercion, he falsely confessed to the crime.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
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Undue Influence
Undue influence means manipulating another’s choice through psychological or emotional exploitation.
Under undue influence, she donated all her savings to the cult.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Undue Influence
Undue influence is the exertion of subtle pressure to control another's decisions.
He claimed undue influence in the business deal, as he was misled by his trusted partner.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Undue Influence
Undue influence involves manipulating someone to gain advantage.
The elderly woman's will was contested due to undue influence by her caretaker.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Coercion
(uncountable) Actual or threatened force for the purpose of compelling action by another person; the act of coercing.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Coercion
Use of physical or moral force to compel a person to do something, or to abstain from doing something, thereby depriving that person of the exercise of free will.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Coercion
Conversion of a value of one data type to a value of another data type.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Coercion
The process by which the meaning of a word or other linguistic element is reinterpreted to match the grammatical context.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Coercion
The application to another of either physical or moral force. When the force is physical, and cannot be resisted, then the act produced by it is a nullity, so far as concerns the party coerced. When the force is moral, then the act, though voidable, is imputable to the party doing it, unless he be so paralyzed by terror as to act convulsively. At the same time coercion is not negatived by the fact of submission under force. "Coactus volui" (I consented under compulsion) is the condition of mind which, when there is volition forced by coercion, annuls the result of such coercion.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Coercion
Using force to cause something;
Though pressed into rugby under compulsion I began to enjoy the game
They didn`t have to use coercion
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Coercion
Coercion involves using intimidation to gain compliance.
The interrogation included coercion, with threats of harsh penalties.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Coercion
Coercion is the practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.
She felt coercion when her boss threatened to fire her if she didn't work overtime.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 08, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is coercion?
Coercion is forcing someone to act in an involuntary manner by use of threats or physical force.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Is coercion always physical?
No, coercion can also be psychological, such as threats or intimidation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
What is undue influence?
Undue influence is subtly manipulating or exploiting someone to gain control or compliance.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Can coercion be legal?
In most cases, coercion is illegal as it violates personal freedoms.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Can undue influence be a form of abuse?
Yes, especially when it exploits vulnerabilities or trust.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
How is coercion proved?
Through evidence of threats, force, or intimidation that led to involuntary actions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
How is undue influence different from persuasion?
Persuasion is a mutual process, while undue influence involves exploitation or manipulation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
What is an example of coercion?
Threatening to harm someone if they don't comply with a demand.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
What are common scenarios of undue influence?
In familial, caretaking, or professional relationships where trust or authority is exploited.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Are threats to reputation considered coercion?
Yes, as they involve using fear to obtain compliance.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Is undue influence easy to prove?
It is often difficult to prove as it involves subtle manipulation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
What role does power imbalance play in undue influence?
It is central, as undue influence often arises from exploiting a power imbalance.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Is emotional manipulation a form of undue influence?
Yes, it involves exploiting emotional connections to influence decisions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
How can one protect against undue influence?
By being aware of manipulation tactics and seeking independent advice.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Can undue influence occur in a professional setting?
Yes, especially in relationships involving a significant trust, like between a doctor and patient.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
What's the difference between coercion and blackmail?
Blackmail is a form of coercion involving threats to reveal information.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Is coercion always intentional?
Yes, coercion involves the deliberate use of force or threats to influence actions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
What legal remedies exist for coercion?
Legal remedies can include criminal charges or nullifying actions taken under coercion.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Can undue influence affect a person’s will?
Yes, wills are often contested on grounds of undue influence.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Can a contract be voided due to coercion?
Yes, contracts signed under coercion are often considered invalid.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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