Impressment
/ɪmˈprɛsmənt/
Definitions
- (n.) The act of forcibly recruiting men into military or naval service, historically often by government authority.
The government faced opposition due to the practice of impressment during wartime.
Commentary
Impressment is distinct from voluntary enlistment and typically involves coercion or compulsion; it is important to distinguish this term from general conscription in legal contexts.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.