New York Supreme Court February 15, 1827 (People v. Whaley)

Curia, per

Savage, Ch. J.

An objection is taken to the indictment, that the defendant is not charged with taking the money, as fees, or to his own use. It was not necessary to lay the offence in that manner; it is sufficient that he extorted it by color of his office. Extortion signifies, in an enlarged sense, any oppression under color of right.