The partial defence of duress is associated with which case?

• A. R v Camplin 1978
• B. R v Smith 1980
• C. Dietrich v The Queen 1992
• D. R v Williamson 1972

Answer: (D)

Duress as a partial defence works by allowing a defendant to avoid or lessen liability for a crime when they were forced to commit it because of a threat of imminent harm. The case most closely associated with this partial defence in the material is R v Williamson (1972). Williamson is used to illustrate how duress can operate to excuse or mitigate criminal liability under pressure from threats, especially when there is little or no safe alternative. The other options deal with different legal concepts: Camplin concerns a standard for self-control in provocation, Dietrich deals with the right to legal representation, and Smith covers a different area of law.