Consenting

Consenting refers to the act of giving agreement to participate in an action, proposal, or policy. Effective consenting requires that the person has the capacity to decide, has access to sufficient information, and makes the decision freely and without coercion.

Consent may be explicit (verbal or written) or inferred from conduct, depending on the context and governing rules. It is typically considered ongoing and revocable, meaning it can be withdrawn at any time and requires a reaffirmation if the situation continues.

Legal and ethical frameworks distinguish between scenarios such as medical consent, research participation, contracts, and intimate relations. In medical settings, informed consent requires disclosure of risks, benefits, and alternatives; in research, informed consent is governed by principles of autonomy and protection from harm.

In sexual or intimate contexts, consent should be enthusiastic, voluntary, and ongoing; many jurisdictions require affirmative consent and prohibit coercion, exploitation, or incapacitation. Age and mental capacity laws set thresholds to determine who can consent.

Consent also relates to data privacy and contracts, where terms must be willingly accepted, and withdrawal is possible. Ethical considerations emphasize respect for autonomy, vulnerability, and avoidance of manipulation. Historical development shows a shift from more informal or implied forms of consent toward explicit, documented, or affirmative consent in many legal and ethical domains.