Sutikimo

Sutikimas is the act of a person’s voluntary agreement to a proposal or action. It implies that the individual understands what is being proposed, has the freedom to choose, and can withdraw consent at any time. Valid consent is typically characterized by clarity, competence, and reversibility, and it should be given without coercion or manipulation.

In medical and research contexts, consent is often formalized as informed consent. Patients or participants must receive pertinent information about procedures, risks, benefits, and alternatives, and they must demonstrate capacity to decide. The process aims to respect autonomy and to protect participants from harm. Emergencies may authorize implied consent when delay would endanger life, but this does not replace the general obligation to obtain consent when feasible.

In data protection and technology, consent governs the collection and use of personal data. Organizations must provide clear notices, obtain explicit or lawful consent where required, and allow withdrawal. Consent practices are evolving with concepts like dynamic or granular consent, which enable ongoing management of preferences.

Consent is central to ethical and interpersonal relations as well. In sexual and intimate contexts, ongoing and enthusiastic consent is expected, with the understanding that it can be withdrawn at any time.

In law, consent can affect liability and admissibility, but it does not necessarily justify all harmful acts. Coercion, duress, or incapacity invalidates consent.

In Lithuanian usage, sutikimas is the term for consent, with sutikimo as its genitive form used in phrases such as duoti sutikimą (to give consent) or sutikimo sąlygos (terms of consent).