What is the primary intention behind the term "coercion" in a legal context?

In a legal context, "coercion" primarily refers to the act of compelling someone to act against their will, often through the use of threats, intimidation, or force. This means that an individual may be driven to make a decision or take an action that they would not have chosen freely, typically due to fear of consequences or harm. Coercion is significant in law because it can impact the validity of consent, agreements, and the authenticity of a person’s actions, particularly in criminal law cases where victims may be manipulated into participating in illegal activities.

Understanding coercion is crucial because it underlines the principle that consent obtained through pressure or threats is not considered genuine consent in legal matters. In contrast, peaceful negotiation, legal representation, and voluntary compliance focus more on cooperation and mutual agreement, which do not encompass the forced or pressured dynamics present in coercion.