Duress in English law

As duress (English, forced ') is referred to in the criminal law of England and Wales a defense ( defense objection ). It is not regulated by law, but exists only as common law. It exists in two forms: as duress by threats and duress by circumstance. Duress by threats is available as a classic duress objection, to have acted if the offender while committing the offense under the impression of a threat of death or serious injury ( death or serious bodily harm ). Since English law prevailing opinion of emergency, ie the rescue of an overriding interest by the sacrifice of another necessity does not allow as a defense, has also duress by circumstance established as a defense since the 1980s, in addition to the duress - objection: Here, the offender decides itself due to external circumstances to a criminal offense.