Duress refers to the use of threats, violence, coercion, or other unlawful means to force someone to act against their will, typically by compelling them to enter into a contract or commit an illegal act.
Threat: Duress refers to a situation whereby a person performs an act as a result of violence, threat, or other pressure against the person.
Coercion: Duress is defined as any unlawful threat or coercion used to induce another to act or not act in a manner he otherwise would not or would.
Pressure: Duress is pressure exerted upon a person to coerce that person to perform an act they ordinarily would not perform
Defence: The doctrine of duress is a defence for the defendant not only in criminal law but also in civil law, including contract law and trusts law.
You can learn more about this topic with our Contract Law notes.
