Robbery vs. Extortion — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 31, 2023
Robbery involves taking property through force or threat; extortion involves coercing someone to give up property, often through threats.
Difference Between Robbery and Extortion
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Robbery is a crime involving the forceful taking of property from a person. It often involves physical confrontation or the threat of violence. Extortion, on the other hand, is a crime where an individual coerces another to surrender property, often through threats or manipulation, which might not involve direct physical harm.
In robbery, the perpetrator typically confronts the victim in person, using intimidation or physical force to seize property. This immediate and direct interaction is a hallmark of robbery. In contrast, extortion can occur without face-to-face interaction. The extortionist might use threats of future harm or exposure of sensitive information to obtain property or favors.
The element of force or fear is central to robbery. The robber instills fear of physical harm to obtain property. Extortion, however, relies more on psychological pressure, where the victim might be compelled to act due to fear of reputational damage, financial loss, or other non-physical threats.
The legal consequences of robbery can be severe due to its violent nature. It's often considered a violent crime. Extortion, while still serious, might be treated differently in the legal system, especially if no physical harm or threat is involved.
In summary, robbery is a confrontational crime involving the immediate taking of property through force or threat of force. Extortion is a broader crime that involves coercing someone into giving up property or advantages, often through non-physical threats.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Means of Execution
Use of force or threat
Use of coercion or threats
Physical Presence
Often requires physical confrontation
Can be done remotely
Nature of Threat
Physical harm or violence
Various threats, including non-physical
Interaction with Victim
Direct and immediate
Can be indirect or prolonged
Perception in Law
Often considered a violent crime
Treated as coercion or manipulation
Compare with Definitions
Robbery
Illegally dispossessing someone of their belongings through coercion.
The robbery at the bank involved the thieves using threats to force the teller to hand over cash.
Extortion
The practice of demanding property or money through intimidation.
The gang engaged in extortion by threatening local businesses with vandalism unless they paid protection money.
Robbery
A crime involving the forceful seizure of property in the presence of the victim.
The robbery at the jewelry store occurred when armed individuals demanded valuables from the staff.
Extortion
The act of using one's power or position to gain property or benefits through intimidation.
The corrupt officer committed extortion by threatening to arrest the shop owner unless he received regular payments.
Robbery
The act of stealing from a person using violence or the threat of violence.
The highway robbery involved bandits stopping a carriage and forcefully taking valuables from the passengers.
Extortion
Obtaining something through coercion or threats.
The businessman faced extortion when he was forced to pay to prevent his company's secrets from being leaked.
Robbery
Forcible theft from a person or their immediate presence.
During the robbery, the assailants grabbed the woman’s purse and pushed her to the ground.
Extortion
Forcing someone to give up property by threatening harm or negative consequences.
The politician was guilty of extortion for demanding bribes in exchange for political favors.
Robbery
Taking property from someone by force or intimidation.
The masked individual committed a robbery when he threatened the store clerk and took the money.
Extortion
Coercion to obtain advantages or property, often involving threats.
The extortion scheme involved threatening to release incriminating photos unless the victim paid a large sum.
Robbery
Robbery is the crime of taking or attempting to take anything of value by force, threat of force, or by putting the victim in fear. According to common law, robbery is defined as taking the property of another, with the intent to permanently deprive the person of that property, by means of force or fear; that is, it is a larceny or theft accomplished by an assault.
Extortion
Extortion is the practice of obtaining benefit through coercion. In most jurisdictions it is likely to constitute a criminal offense; the bulk of this article deals with such cases.
Robbery
The act or an instance of unlawfully taking the property of another by the use of violence or intimidation.
Extortion
The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats
He used bribery and extortion to build himself a huge, art-stuffed mansion
Extortion rackets
Robbery
The act or practice of robbing.
Extortion
Illegal use of one's official position or powers to obtain property, funds, or patronage.
Robbery
(legal) The offense of taking or attempting to take the property of another by force or threat of force.
Bank 'robbery
Extortion
The act or an instance of extorting something, as by psychological pressure.
Robbery
The act or practice of robbing; theft.
Thieves for their robbery have authorityWhen judges steal themselves.
Extortion
An excessive or exorbitant charge.
Robbery
Larceny by threat of violence
Extortion
The practice of extorting money or other property by the use of force or threats.
Robbery
Plundering during riots or in wartime
Extortion
The act of extorting; the act or practice of wresting anything from a person by force, by threats, or by any undue exercise of power; undue exaction; overcharge.
Extortion
The offense committed by an officer who corruptly claims and takes, as his fee, money, or other thing of value, that is not due, or more than is due, or before it is due.
Extortion
That which is extorted or exacted by force.
Extortion
An exorbitant charge
Extortion
Unjust exaction (as by the misuse of authority);
The extortion by dishonest officials of fees for performing their sworn duty
Extortion
The felonious act of extorting money (as by threats of violence)
Common Curiosities
Is extortion always about money?
No, extortion can involve forcing someone to give up any property or advantage, not just money.
What is robbery?
Robbery is the act of taking someone's property through force or threat.
How is extortion different from robbery?
Extortion involves coercing someone to give up property, often through non-physical threats, while robbery involves force or fear.
Can extortion be committed remotely?
Yes, extortion can happen without face-to-face interaction, even through electronic means.
What are common methods of extortion?
Common methods include threats of physical harm, reputational damage, financial loss, or exposure of secrets.
Is blackmail a form of extortion?
Yes, blackmail is a form of extortion involving threats to reveal information.
What is the key element in robbery?
The key element in robbery is the use or threat of force to take property.
Can robbery happen without physical violence?
Yes, robbery can occur with the threat of violence, even if no physical harm is done.
Can robbery happen in a public place?
Yes, robbery can occur anywhere, including public places.
Are weapons always involved in robbery?
No, weapons are not always involved; intimidation or threat alone can constitute robbery.
What makes robbery a violent crime?
Robbery is considered violent due to the use or threat of physical force.
Is verbal threat enough for a robbery charge?
Yes, a verbal threat of harm can be sufficient for a robbery charge if it instills fear.
Can extortion involve physical force?
While not common, extortion can sometimes involve threats of physical force.
Can threats to one’s family be considered extortion?
Yes, threats to harm a person's family can be a form of extortion.
Are robbery and extortion always premeditated?
Both crimes can be premeditated, but they can also occur spontaneously.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Marketing vs. Market
Next Comparison
Imperial vs. EmpiricalAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
