VII.   Law

Coercion is the restraint or compulsion of another by force.

The word coercion is derived from two Latin words co meaning "together" and arcere meaning "to inclose, confine or keep off".

Coercion has no authority and is unlawful if:

(i) the man or woman who issued the warrant or instrument authorizing coercion has no legitimate authority in accordance with these Canons to demand such acts; or

(ii) threat or fraud is used in the process; or

(iii) the official who issued the warrant is not competent; or

(iv) the act or acts of coercion as specified within the warrant exceed the authority of the one who issued it.

A judge or magistrate that uses threat as a means of coercion removes both their authority to hear the matter and immunity from personal liability.