Force

Restraining power; validity; binding effect. A law may be said to be in force when it is not repealed, or, more loosely, when it can be carried into practical effect._ An iigreement is in force when the parties to it may be compelled to act, or are acting, under its terms and stipulations. Actual force is where strength is actually applied, or the means of applying it are at hand. The display of power to injure sufficient to put in bodily fear is force.

5 Blatchf. (U. S.) 18; 2 Whart. Crim. Law, 1698.

Implied force is that which is implied by law from the commission of an unlawful act. Every trespass quare elausum fregit is committed with implied force.

1 Salk. 641; Co. Litt. 57b, 161b, 162a; 1 Saund. 81, 140, note 4; 5 Term R. 361; 8 Term R. 78, 358; Bac. Abr. "Trespass;" 3 Wils. 18; Fitzh. Nat. Brev. 890; 6 East, 387; 5 Bos. & P. 365, 454.

Mere nonfeasance cannot be considered as force, generally.

2 Saund. 47; Co. Litt. 161; Bouv. Inst. Index.