{"id":353434,"date":"2017-03-29T15:28:02","date_gmt":"2017-03-29T20:28:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/consent-defense-and-intentional-torts.html"},"modified":"2023-08-17T12:38:06","modified_gmt":"2023-08-17T17:38:06","slug":"consent-defense-and-intentional-torts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/consent-defense-and-intentional-torts.html","title":{"rendered":"Consent Defense and Intentional Torts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Consent Defense and Intentional Torts<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Steven Ellison, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The topic of consent can complicate a civil lawsuit. Consent could be part of the other party’s defense argument. Understanding how the law and courts view consent can help you prepare for your tort action.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Many assume that assault and battery are solely criminal acts to be reported to the police and prosecuted in criminal court. If you’ve been threatened or harmed physically or emotionally, you may also have legal options available under civil\u00a0tort law<\/a>. This would allow you to privately sue a civil defendant (tortfeasor). You may file your lawsuit using a personal injury attorney and without the help of the government to enforce criminal law.<\/p>\n

However, if\u00a0you consented<\/a>\u00a0to the same act that gave rise to the tort, your personal injury lawsuit may not get off the ground. This is true even if you suffered serious injuries.<\/p>\n

Read on to learn more about intentional torts and the consent defense in civil actions. If you still have questions, or you’re ready to start the process, contact a local lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Understanding Intentional Torts<\/h2>\n

There are generally three categories of torts:<\/p>\n