Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: Welfare Reform Act
Term: COMPEL
Definition: To force someone to do something they may not want to do, either by using threats or overwhelming pressure. For example, a lawyer cannot be forced to share information that is supposed to be kept private. It can also mean that a law or court decision leaves no other choice but to agree with it.
Definition: To force or pressure someone to do something.
Example 1: The police can compel a suspect to come to the station for questioning.
Example 2: The judge can compel a witness to testify in court.
Explanation: In both examples, someone is being forced or pressured to do something they may not want to do. The police can use their authority to make a suspect come to the station, and the judge can use their power to make a witness testify. This is what it means to compel someone.