Which concept arises when natural forces create a need to violate the law?

Which concept arises when natural forces create a need to violate the law?

• A. NECESSITY
• B. DURESS
• C. CONSENT
• D. ARREST WARRANT

Answer: (A)

Necessity explains why someone might violate the law because natural forces create an immediate need to act to prevent a greater harm. For this to apply, the danger must be imminent, there must be no reasonable legal alternatives, and the act taken must be proportional to the harm avoided. The harmful outcome prevented is greater than the harm caused by the illegal act, and the person should not be seen as creating the danger themselves. Since the threat comes from natural forces rather than coercion by another person, this defense fits the scenario. By contrast, duress involves threats from another person, consent isn’t a blanket justification for crime, and an arrest warrant is not a defense concept.

Necessity explains why someone might violate the law because natural forces create an immediate need to act to prevent a greater harm. For this to apply, the danger must be imminent, there must be no reasonable legal alternatives, and the act taken must be proportional to the harm avoided. The harmful outcome prevented is greater than the harm caused by the illegal act, and the person should not be seen as creating the danger themselves. Since the threat comes from natural forces rather than coercion by another person, this defense fits the scenario. By contrast, duress involves threats from another person, consent isn’t a blanket justification for crime, and an arrest warrant is not a defense concept.