What legal action can be taken if someone consents to a contract under duress?

When a person consents to a contract under duress, they are essentially providing consent that is not genuine or freely given. Duress involves some form of coercion or pressure that leads to the individual signing the contract against their will. In legal terms, this lack of genuine consent typically renders the contract voidable.

This means that the individual who was under duress has the legal right to choose to void, or cancel, the contract altogether. By voiding the contract, they can relieve themselves of any obligations imposed by it since their agreement was not made voluntarily. This principle protects individuals from being held to agreements made under significant pressure or threats, thereby upholding the integrity of contractual consent.

In contrast, other options like suing for breach of contract, re-negotiating, or seeking damages do not apply effectively in cases of duress since the foundational element of a valid contract—free consent—is absent. Therefore, the ability to void the contract stands as the appropriate legal remedy under such circumstances.