Which of the following would render consent invalid?

Which of the following would render consent invalid?

• A. Coercion, threats, or promises
• B. Voluntary consent
• C. The person has authority
• D. No threats, promises, coercion

Answer: (A)

Consent must be given freely, without pressure or inducement. Coercion, threats, or promises create duress, so the person is not truly deciding on their own, which makes the consent invalid. If consent is voluntary and unforced, it is valid. Having authority to give consent is about who may authorize, and the absence of threats/persuasion describes a properly obtained, uncoerced consent. So the presence of coercion, threats, or promises is what renders consent invalid.

Consent must be given freely, without pressure or inducement. Coercion, threats, or promises create duress, so the person is not truly deciding on their own, which makes the consent invalid. If consent is voluntary and unforced, it is valid. Having authority to give consent is about who may authorize, and the absence of threats/persuasion describes a properly obtained, uncoerced consent. So the presence of coercion, threats, or promises is what renders consent invalid.