In what context is 'duress' typically referred to?

Duress typically refers to a situation involving illegal coercion where an individual is compelled to act against their will or judgment due to threats, violence, constraints, or other forms of pressure. In legal contexts, the concept of duress is significant because it can invalidate agreements or contracts, as any consent given under duress is not considered genuine. When someone is forced to make a decision due to a threat of harm or significant pressure from another party, the action taken is not truly voluntary and therefore raises questions about the legality and enforceability of the agreement made under such circumstances.

The other options do not align with the legal definition of duress; for instance, voluntary acts suggest an agreement or action taken freely, which contradicts the essence of duress. Informed consent implies a clear understanding and agreement to proceed with actions, free from coercion, which is also at odds with duress. Public duty is related to obligations that individuals or officials have to the public or community, rather than situations of coercive pressure. This clarifies why illegal coercion is the correct context for understanding what duress entails.