Discussion questions 1. A physician or surgeon often applies force to a patient when carrying out medical procedures. Doctors, of course, usually have the express or implied consent of the patient. So long as they act within the scope of the consent, they will not be liable at law. There is a limit to consent in this area too.
Consensual killing is murder regardless of the victim's desire to die.
When the courts refer to 'public interest' are they concerned with potential or actual harm that an activity can cause the question of what is socially acceptable. Courts hold that sexual sado-masochistic behaviour which causes or intends to cause physical injury constitutes assault. The legal definition of consent includes a number of variables. Class exercise Consider the above criteria for a valid consent. At what point will the law choose not to tolerate deliberately inflicted harm, irrespective of the person's consent.