Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

What is the definition of extortion?

1. The legal seizure of property for debts

2. Coercing someone to give up property through intimidation

3. The negotiation of a settlement out of court

4. Illegally accessing someone’s private information

The correct answer is: Coercing someone to give up property through intimidation

The definition of extortion is accurately captured by the selected option, which describes it as coercing someone to give up property through intimidation. Extortion involves threats or pressure to force an individual into providing money, property, or services against their will. This coercion can take many forms, including threats of violence, damage to property, or other forms of intimidation designed to instill fear and compel compliance. In contrast, other definitions presented in the choices do not accurately reflect extortion. For example, the legal seizure of property for debts pertains to repossession or foreclosure, which follows a legal process rather than coercive intimidation. Negotiating a settlement out of court pertains to dispute resolution and does not invoke threats or intimidation; instead, it's typically a consensual agreement between parties. Finally, illegally accessing someone’s private information relates to computer crimes or identity theft, which, while criminal, is distinct from the act of extortion, which focuses on coercion for property. Thus, the correct definition is firmly grounded in the concept of coercion through intimidation.