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Blackmail |
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blackmail, in law, exaction of money from another by threat threat, in law, declaration of intent to injure another by doing an unlawful act, with a view to restraining his freedom of action. A threat is distinguishable from an assault, for an assault requires some physical act that appears likely to eventuate in violence,
..... Click the link for more information. of exposure of criminal action or of disreputable conduct. The term was originally used for the tribute levied until the 18th cent. upon the inhabitants of the Scottish border to provide immunity from raids by Scottish bands. Statutes often treat blackmail as a form of extortion extortion, in law, unlawful demanding or receiving by an officer, in his official capacity, of any property or money not legally due to him. Examples include requesting and accepting fees in excess of those allowed to him by statute or arresting a person and, with ..... Click the link for more information. . Blackmail See also Bribery. Blackness (See NIGHT.) Blasphemy (See APOSTASY.) Rigaud adventurer and extortionist. [Br. Lit.: Little Dorrit] extorts to achieve personal ends. [Br. Lit.: Barnaby Rudge] threatens murder and dishonor to bed Lucretia. [Rom. Lit.: Fasti; Livy; Br. Lit.: The Rape of Lucrece] attempts to blackmail Boffin. [Br. Lit.: Our Mutual Friend] Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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