In a legal context, what does the term "duress" refer to?

The term "duress" in a legal context refers to a defense claiming forced participation in a crime. This defense is valid when an individual can demonstrate that they were compelled to engage in illegal activity due to the threat of immediate harm or violence directed toward them or a third party. The essence of duress is that the person had no reasonable opportunity to escape the situation and acted under significant pressure that overrides their free will. This is crucial because, in order for a crime to be fully accountable, there typically must be an element of intent and willingness; duress negates that intent since the individual's ability to choose was severely compromised.

Other options focus on unrelated concepts. A psychological state affecting the defendant does not encapsulate the legal ramifications of being forced into a crime. A plea deal offered by prosecutors pertains to negotiations before trial and does not directly relate to coercion or duress. Lastly, a legal procedure for civil cases is completely separate from criminal defenses such as duress. Understanding these distinctions is vital for grasping the implications of legal terminology in both criminal and civil contexts.