Duressor

A duressor is an individual or entity that exerts unlawful or coercive pressure on another, compelling them to act against their will. This pressure often involves threats, intimidation, or the use of force, rendering the affected party's actions involuntary. The resulting agreement or action under duress is legally voidable, meaning the coerced party can choose to nullify it. The concept emphasizes the lack of genuine consent due to the overpowering influence of the duressor. Duress fundamentally undermines free will and autonomy.

Duressor meaning with examples

• The company owner, facing financial ruin, was forced by a mob boss (the duressor) to sign over his business assets at a significant loss. He knew refusing would result in harm to his family, therefore he had no real choice. The contract was later challenged as it was signed under duress and invalidated by the courts. The duressor's actions had robbed him of his ability to choose freely.
• During a hostage situation, the captor (duressor) threatened to harm the hostages if the bank teller didn't open the vault and hand over the money. The teller, acting under extreme fear and coercion, complied. Later, the teller's actions were not considered a crime due to the duress, while the captor faced severe penalties. The threat made compliance inevitable.
• The politician, fearing exposure of a past indiscretion, was blackmailed by a journalist (the duressor) who threatened to publish the damaging information unless the politician supported a particular bill. He did support the bill out of fear. His decision to do so can later be challenged as he was compelled to take this action, so it was not a true choice.
• A student, facing severe repercussions from a gang (duressor), was coerced into signing a confession falsely implicating another student in a crime. Because he feared for his safety and his family's safety, his signature was compelled. The evidence obtained from the confession may be inadmissible because it was procured under duress, highlighting the legal implications of forced actions.