Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

psychological coercion and/or manipulation

Does the law define as a crime the act of psychological manipulation with malicious intent? Specifically the act itself without reference to the outcome? To make fraudulent misrepresentation and deceive someone for the purposes of psychological impact? ''Mindf*ck'' (pardon the crudity), for lack of a better lay term. What is the legal term for such a crime (if there is one) & which jurisdiction can prosecute it?


Asked on 7/15/03, 9:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Miller Robert L. Miller & Associates, A Law Corporation

Re: psychological coercion and/or manipulation

Thank you for your inquiry.

I've never heard of the crime you're describing, and I'd imagine there would be serious issues of proof and/or first amendment/free speech issues as well.

The closest would be fraud, extortion, or criminal threats (such as PC 422) which often has at its core deception and threats to do further harm, and in certain cases undue influence as an essential element.

If you feel you're the victim of a crime, you should contact the police and go over specifics.

I hope that this answers your question, but if you need further information, have other questions you need answered, or feel that you need legal representation, I am happy to help in any way that I can. Please feel free to email me directly at [email protected].

Read more
Answered on 7/15/03, 10:18 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in California