Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Actual force: When someone uses their strength or power to hurt or pressure another person or thing, it is called force. Actual force is when someone physically hurts or attacks another person, especially during a robbery. This is different from constructive force, which is when someone threatens or intimidates another person to gain control or prevent resistance. Deadly force is when someone uses violence that could cause serious harm or death, and reasonable force is when someone uses only the amount of force necessary to protect themselves or their property. Unlawful force is when someone uses force against another person without their permission, which is a crime or a tort.
Definition: Actual force refers to power, violence, or pressure directed against a person or thing. It can be physical force, which is a violent act directed against a robbery victim, or constructive force, which involves threats and intimidation to gain control or prevent resistance.
These examples illustrate actual force because they involve the use of power or violence to control or harm someone. In the first example, the robber is using physical force to take money from the victim. In the second example, the bully is using constructive force by threatening to harm the victim if they don't comply with their demands.