What is duress in criminal law?

Duress in criminal law refers to a situation where an individual commits an unlawful act because they are under a threat of immediate harm or danger to themselves or others. This defense acknowledges that the person did not act out of their own free will, but rather made a choice under extreme pressure. In essence, the threat must be serious and immediate, leading the person to engage in actions they would otherwise avoid.

Understanding duress is crucial because it reflects the legal system's recognition that individuals can be compelled to act against their moral judgement or legal standards when faced with a credible threat. This defense can be pivotal in mitigating legal consequences for individuals who were forced into committing a crime due to such threats. The other options relate to different legal concepts, such as sentencing considerations or coercion in testimony, but they do not encapsulate the essence of duress as it applies to criminal acts.