Intentional Torts - Affirmative Defenses to Intentional Torts - consent

8 important questions on Intentional Torts - Affirmative Defenses to Intentional Torts - consent

What is the overview of consent


Consent is a defence to intentional tort liability. If the asserted victim gives permission, what would otherwise be tortious is instead privileged.

What is the difference between Express and Implied Manifestations of Consent?

An individual can convey consent expressly in words or through pictorial gestures. Alternatively, an individual can imply consent. Consent is implied when, under the circumstances, the conduct of the individual reasonably conveys consent.

An example of express consent with words

If you have someone waiting on the side of the road, shouting: Fresh lemonade inside! Come in and get your fresh lemonade inside! This person is giving consent to trespassing the land.
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An example of express consent with Pictorial gestures

Now it is not somebody screaming, it is a sign with an arrow pointing at the house, stating that there is fresh lemonade for 50 cents inside.

What is consent by law?

Consent can also be implied by law. Generally, courts recognize by law consent to emergency medical treatment by health professionals when a victim is unconscious and unable to provide consent. You will never be able to sue the hospital in case they have to do the necessary urgent surgery/medical needs given to you, because they have consent by law. IT is ONLY for medical procedures and for medical staff.

What are the five ways to INVALID manifestations of CONSENT?

  1. Incapacity
  2. Action beyond Scope of Consent
  3. Fraud
  4. Duress
  5. Illegality

How does the invalid manifestation of consent of Duress work?

Consent procured under physical threat/harm is invalid. However, as a general rule, economic pressure, while coercive, does not negate consent.
Example: if someone points a gun at you and says: let yourself get punched, or I will shoot you, no longer gives you the option to sue that person for assault, because there is no longer the threat of immediacy. However, you can sue that person for immediate emotional stress thing.

How does the invalid manifestation of consent of Illegality work?

The traditional majority rule holds that a person cannot consent to a criminal act; the consent is always invalid.

Consent to sexual intercourse with a minor: In the USA there are Romeo & Juliette laws in some states, that makes it possible that if there has been a platonic relationship for so many years, the elderly will not be hold accountable for having sexual intercourse with a minor.

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