The aim of this book is to explore the availability of a criminal defence to one who acts in contravention of the letter of the law as a result of threats or circumstances, situations traditionally encompassed by the defences of duress and necessity. The defence of duress by threats, or duress per minas, is available to one who commits an act which ostensibly breaks the law of the land as a result of threats of a serious nature, while necessity and duress of circumstances operate to exculpate one who prima facie contravenes the law due to dire circumstances. The analysis contained herein aims to provide an original perspective on the approach taken in the criminal law to such defendants by embarking upon a fresh consideration in light of both ancient philosophy and more recent breakthroughs in modern psychology.

The defences under review in this book have engaged minds in many of the most stimulating debates in criminal law theory, from abstract philosophical considerations to more practical concerns relating to the formulation of individual criminal defences. Foremost among these is an exploration of the role of emotions in criminal behaviour. Through advances in modern psychology and neuroscience our understanding of the origin, effect and constitution of emotions is becoming clearer and it is imperative to reassess the criminal law in light of this enhanced awareness. This book aims to ascertain how the emotions experienced by an individual acting in response to threats or difficult circumstances affect his or her responsibility, both moral and criminal.