In terms of legal definitions, what does 'criminal coercion' signify?

Criminal coercion primarily signifies the act of making threats to manipulate or compel someone to act in a certain way against their will. This involves creating fear or apprehension in the victim, leading them to perform acts they might not otherwise engage in. The essence of criminal coercion lies in the use of intimidation or the threat of harm to influence an individual's decisions and actions.

In legal terms, this behavior can be classified as a crime because it violates an individual's autonomy and freedom of choice. Understanding this concept is crucial for law enforcement as it guides their interactions with victims and perpetrators of such manipulative conduct.