Intimidation

What is Intimidation in Tort Law?

Quick Definition

Intimidation is an economic tort where one party uses unlawful threats to pressure another person into acting in a way that causes loss to the claimant. The tort focuses on coercion through threats rather than physical force itself. Liability arises where the defendant intentionally causes harm by using unlawful means.

In Context

Intimidation usually involves threats of unlawful conduct, such as violence, breach of contract, or other illegal acts, made to force compliance or interfere with business relations. The tort may involve two-party intimidation, where the claimant is threatened directly, or three-party intimidation, where threats are directed at someone else who then harms the claimant. In Rookes v Barnard (1964), trade union officials threatened strike action unless an employee was dismissed, and the House of Lords recognised intimidation as a valid tort claim because the threat involved unlawful conduct intended to cause loss. Courts require proof that the threat was coercive, unlawful, and a substantial cause of the claimant’s damage. Mere commercial pressure or lawful persuasion is not enough. Intimidation is particularly important in labour disputes and commercial conflicts where economic harm results from coercive tactics rather than direct physical interference.

See Also

• Economic Duress

• Conspiracy

• Malicious Falsehood

Learn More

Explore our Tort Law Notes for deeper case law, examples, and revision tips.