The use of restraint, violence, or threats of violence to compel a party to act contrary to his or her wishes is known as what?

• A. Coercion
• B. Duress
• C. Force
• D. Threats

Answer: (B)

Duress is the improper use of force, restraint, or threats of violence to compel someone to act against their will. It defeats genuine consent because the person’s decision is driven by fear or coercion rather than free choice. In contract or insurance contexts, actions taken under duress can be voidable since the party did not freely agree. Coercion is a broader idea of pressure, but duress specifically involves unlawful threats or violence that override free will. Physical force or threats alone are not enough to define it without the element of overcoming voluntary consent. That’s why this situation is described as duress.