Which statement is a correct requirement for consent to be a defence to assault?

Which statement is a correct requirement for consent to be a defence to assault?

• A. No illegal purpose.
• B. No excessive violence.
• C. No illegal purpose, no excessive violence, and true consent.
• D. Consent must be in writing.

Answer: (C)

Consent can work as a defence to assault only when it is genuine, given for a lawful purpose, and the harm involved stays within what was agreed or expected. This means the activity itself must not be illegal, the force used must not be excessive relative to the consent given, and the consent must be true—freely given by someone with the capacity to do so and without deceit or coercion. Because of these conditions, the statement that includes all three elements—no illegal purpose, no excessive violence, and true consent—best captures what’s required for consent to protect against an assault charge. Consent does not generally have to be in writing, so that part isn’t a necessary requirement.

Consent can work as a defence to assault only when it is genuine, given for a lawful purpose, and the harm involved stays within what was agreed or expected. This means the activity itself must not be illegal, the force used must not be excessive relative to the consent given, and the consent must be true—freely given by someone with the capacity to do so and without deceit or coercion. Because of these conditions, the statement that includes all three elements—no illegal purpose, no excessive violence, and true consent—best captures what’s required for consent to protect against an assault charge. Consent does not generally have to be in writing, so that part isn’t a necessary requirement.