Criminal coercion

Criminal blackmail
Dependence on extortion
Criminal extortion

Nature

Criminal coercion is intending to compel another person to action or inaction by threatening to commit a crime, accusing someone of a crime, exposing a secret whether true or false in order to subject another to hatred, contempt, or ridicule or in order to impair their credit or business. Public servant who take or withhold official action for the same purposes are also guilty of blackmail. Modern criminal codes have tended to expand the crime of extortion to include what is generally regarded as blackmail, however the crime is named.

Background

Historically, blackmail is tribute in corn, cattle, other kind or money levied from the farmers and small owners in the border counties of England and Scotland, and along the Highland border, by freebooting chiefs in return for immunity from pillage. The term is now applied to the extortion of money, or other valuable consideration, by intimidation, by the unscrupulous use of official or social position, or of political influence or vote, by persons upon those whom they have it in their power to help or injure. Originally, the Camorra of the mezzogiorno, the Ndranghata of Calabria, the Mafia of Sicily and similar organizations in the USA and China were blackmail bodies.

Claim

Criminal coercion is a grave violation of personal autonomy and safety, undermining the very foundation of a just society. It exploits vulnerability, instilling fear and forcing individuals into actions against their will. This insidious crime not only devastates victims but also erodes trust within communities. We must prioritize awareness, prevention, and stringent legal repercussions to combat this pervasive issue. Ignoring criminal coercion is tantamount to condoning oppression; we must stand firm against it for a safer future.

Counter-claim

Criminal coercion is often overstated as a significant issue. In reality, most individuals navigate their lives without falling victim to such tactics. The focus on coercion distracts from more pressing societal problems, like poverty and education. By exaggerating the prevalence of coercion, we risk undermining genuine concerns and diverting resources away from critical areas that truly impact communities. It's time to prioritize real issues rather than sensationalize a relatively minor problem.