What legal concept involves coercion or force as justification for committing a crime?

Duress is the legal concept that involves coercion or force as justification for committing a crime. It applies when an individual commits an unlawful act because they are threatened with immediate harm or death if they do not comply. In such cases, the individual believes that their only alternative to avoid that harm is to engage in the illegal activity. The law recognizes that in situations of duress, the defendant's ability to make a voluntary and rational choice is severely compromised, thereby providing a potential defense against criminal liability.

In contrast, necessity arises from a situation where a person believes that their actions are needed to prevent a greater harm, but it doesn’t involve directly being coerced or threatened by someone else. Entrapment refers to a situation where law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed, focusing on the actions of the authorities rather than the coercive force. Self-defense is grounded in the right to protect oneself from imminent harm but does not involve the forced commission of a crime due to threats or coercion. Each of these concepts addresses different legal principles and contexts within criminal law, highlighting duress as the appropriate doctrine concerning coercion or force.