The application to another of either physical or moral
force. When the force is physical, and cannot be resisted, then the act
produced by it is a nullity, so far as concerns the party coerced. When
the force is moral, then the act, though voidable, is imputable to the
party doing it, unless he be so paralyzed by terror as to act
convulsively. At the same time coercion is not negatived by the fact of
submission under force. “Coactus volui” (I consented under compulsion)
is the condition of mind which, when there is volition forced by
coercion, annuls the result of such coercion.