What does "duress" refer to in terms of criminal defenses?

Duress refers specifically to a situation where an individual is compelled to commit a crime due to the threat of imminent harm or death. In the context of criminal defenses, it is recognized as a valid justification for the unlawful actions taken by the individual when those actions are the result of coercion. The essence of duress lies in the pressure exerted on the person, which can severely limit their ability to exercise free will and make rational decisions.

In legal terms, for a defense based on duress to be applicable, there must be credible evidence that the person was under such compulsion that they had no reasonable alternative but to comply with the threat. This understanding highlights the critical distinction that exists between voluntary criminal conduct and actions taken under extreme pressure or coercion.