EXTORTION, in law, is an illegal manner of wresting any thing from a man, either by force, menace, or authority. It is also the exaction of unlaw-
ful usury, winning by unlawful games, and taking more than is due under pretence of right, as excessive tolls in millers, &c.
At the common law, extortion is punishable by fine and imprisonment; and the statute of 3 Eliz. 1. c. 30. has enacted, that officers of justice guilty of extortion for the expedition of business, &c. shall render to the party treble value. There are likewise divers other statutes for punishing extortions of sheriffs, bailiffs, goalers, clerks of the assize and of the peace, attorneys, solicitors, &c.