Extortion

Extortion is an offence in abuse of the administration of justice, and consists in any official unlawfully taking by colour of his office from any man or woman any money or thing of value that is not due to him,- or more than is due, or before it is due. The punishment for this offence, which is a misdemeanour, is fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court, and sometimes a forfeiture of the office. There are also various statutes providing penalties for extortion by sheriffs, under-sheriffs, bailiffs, gaolers, clerks of assize, etc.