Moral coercion involves manipulating someone’s moral compass to compel them to engage in an undesired action. Moral duty arises when individuals feel obligated to act in accordance with what they perceive as right. Morality encompasses adhering to principles of ethical conduct and embodying virtuous qualities. Private morality pertains to an individual’s personal beliefs and behaviours, whereas public morality pertains to the collective societal perception of what is morally acceptable or unacceptable.
Definition: Morality is the adherence to recognized rules of correct conduct and the character of being virtuous, particularly in matters related to sexuality. It encompasses a system of duties and ethics.
Private Morality: This refers to an individual’s ideals, character, and personal conduct that are not of concern to the government as long as the individual is considered sovereign over their own body and mind. Government intrusion is only justified if there is a need to protect the individual’s physical or moral well-being.
Public Morality: This encompasses the ideals and general moral beliefs of a society, as well as the actions of an individual that have an impact on others. Public morality is subject to societal norms and laws. For instance, stealing is considered immoral in both private and public morality because it violates the principle of respecting others’ property rights.
Moral coercion refers to the use of psychological pressure or manipulation to force someone to act in a certain way, often against their own beliefs or values.
Moral coercion can be considered a form of emotional abuse and may be illegal in certain circumstances, especially if it involves threats or manipulation to control someone’s behavior.
Examples of moral coercion can include threats of harm, manipulation of emotions, or using guilt to control someone’s actions.
Moral coercion is generally not admissible in legal proceedings, as it is considered a form of undue influence and can invalidate any agreements or decisions made under its influence.
It is important to set boundaries and communicate clearly with others about your values and beliefs. Seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals if you feel you are being morally coerced.
Moral coercion can be considered a form of psychological harassment, especially if it is used to control or manipulate someone’s behavior.
The legal consequences of using moral coercion can vary depending on the specific circumstances, but it can potentially lead to civil or criminal liability, especially if it results in harm to the victim.
If someone is using moral coercion to control or manipulate you, it may be grounds for obtaining a restraining order to protect yourself from further harm.
Moral coercion can sometimes be used as a defence in legal cases, especially if it can be proven that the defendant was forced to act against their will due to psychological pressure or manipulation.
If you are experiencing moral coercion, you can report it to the authorities, such as the police or a legal professional, who can help you take appropriate action to protect yourself.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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