The Illustrated Guide to Criminal Law
Chapter 14: Do or Die
Duress pg 15: Clear and Present Danger
It’s a serious threat, and Millie takes it seriously. When she takes the stand, she lies under oath.
Millie testifying
MILLIE
Golden Horde? Never heard of ’em.
Needless to say, the prosecutor was displeased. Millie is now being charged with perjury.
Millie panicking
MILLIE
But I did it under Duress!
Unfortunately for Millie, in most states that threat wasn’t enough to make it Duress.
Man looking at his watch while holding a gun on the viewer
In most jurisdictions, you have to be afraid of being hurt immediately, not at some point in the future.