extortion n. 勒索罪 该罪有普通法和制定法之分。普通法上的勒索罪是指政府工作人员以政府机关的名义非法收取他无权获取的费用的行为。该罪为轻罪，可被判处罚金和监禁。这一含义也为现代制定法所吸收。制定法上的勒索罪是指以使用暴力或以暴力相威胁的手段，非法索要钱财的行为。该罪通常包含了制定法blackmail所指的讹诈罪之义。美国《模范刑法典》〔Model Penal Code〕中规定，如果以伤害身体、公开秘密、夺取或占有职位、指控犯罪等相威胁来勒索他人财物的行为可构成勒索盗窃罪〔theft by extortion〕 。(→blackmail; Hobbs Act; loansharking; larceny by extortion)
extortion, n. 1. The offense committed by a public official who illegally obtains property under the color of office; esp., an official’s collection of an unlawful fee. — Also termed common-law extortion. [Cases: Extortion and Threats 1.] “The dividing line between bribery and extortion is shadowy. If one other than the officer corruptly takes the