1. The act or an instance of unjustly exercising authority or power.
2. An offense consisting in the abuse of discretionary authority by a public officer who has an improper motive, as a result of which a person is injured. • This offense does not include extortion, which is typically a more serious crime. [Cases: Officers and Public Employees 121. C.J.S. Officers and Public Employees §§ 329–334.]
3. Contracts. Coercion to enter into an illegal contract. • Oppression is grounds for the recovery of money paid or property transferred under an illegal contract. See DURESS; UNCONSCIONABILITY. [Cases: Contracts 138(3), 139. C.J.S. Contracts §§ 280–283, 286, 290, 299.]
4. Corporations. Unfair treatment of minority shareholders (esp. in a close corporation) by the directors or those in control of the corporation. — Also termed (in sense 4) shareholder oppression. See FREEZE-OUT. [Cases: Corporations 182.3, 597. C.J.S. Corporations §§ 344, 826.] — oppress, vb. — oppressive, adj.
