The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
consent
in law, active acquiescence or silent compliance by a person legally capable of consenting (see age of consent). It may be evidenced by words or acts or by silence when silence implies concurrence. Actual or implied consent is necessarily an element in every contract and every agreement. In criminal charges, the consent of the party injured (if not obtained by fraud or duress) is a defense for the accused, unless a third party or the state is injured.
