constructive force
Constructive force is when a person or party uses threats or coercion to gain control over another and achieve their desired outcome. Unlike actual force, which is physical force applied directly to a person’s body, constructive force need only produce sufficient fear of harm to suspend a victim's free will.
Constructive force is typically used by courts in determining liability of wrongdoing. For example, a person threatens to burn down their neighbor’s house unless the neighbor pays the person money. That person engaged in constructive force to obtain the money.
See also: Campbell v. Commonwealth, 494 Mass. 750 (2024)
[Last reviewed in March of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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