Consent is really important when we talk about contracts, especially when someone feels pressured to sign.

What is Duress?

Duress happens when one person is forced to agree to a contract because of threats or pressure.

When this happens, the person is not really agreeing to the terms on their own. They are being pushed into it, which means their real consent is not there.

How Does Consent Work?

1. No Real Agreement:

   • If someone signs a contract because they are being threatened, that’s not real consent. They are not signing it willingly, which can help them defend themselves if there’s a problem with the contract.

2. Showing Pressure:

   • It’s important to show that someone was pressured. Keeping records of any threats or aggressive tactics can help prove that their consent wasn’t real.

3. Legal Help:

   • If you can prove you didn’t agree freely, a court can cancel the contract. This means the contract is treated like it never happened, and you don’t have to follow what it says.

4. Fair Deals:

   • Knowing about the importance of consent and spotting when someone is being pressured can give people more strength when negotiating contracts. It’s a reminder to ask for fair terms because true consent always matters.

In short, if someone signs a contract under duress, that contract might not be valid. The legal system can help protect those who were pressured into signing something they didn’t really agree to.