What is an instance where someone cannot give consent?

The scenario where someone cannot give consent can occur in multiple instances, and in this case, the answer encompasses more than one situation that invalidates the ability to provide informed consent.

When an individual is intoxicated, their capacity to understand, process information, and make sound decisions is impaired. This impairment can lead to confusion or misunderstanding regarding the situation in which consent is sought, making it inappropriate for them to give consent during that time.

Similarly, if someone is under duress, they are being pressured or threatened into making a decision against their will. This state removes the element of free will necessary for genuine consent, as the person may not be acting of their own choice but rather out of fear or coercion.

Moreover, if a person is underage, they may not have the legal capacity to give consent. Laws regarding the age of consent are put in place to protect minors, as they may lack the maturity or experience to fully understand the implications of their decisions.

Thus, in each of these instances—intoxication, duress, and underage status—the ability to give valid consent is compromised, which is why the answer includes all these scenarios collectively.