Duress and Coercion (Justification or Necessity) refers to the legal doctrine that allows individuals to be excused from criminal liability due to the presence of external pressures beyond their control. This type of defense may be used when an individual feels that he or she had no other choice but to commit a crime in order to protect themselves, their family, or their property from harm. The two main types of Duress and Coercion (Justification or Necessity) are Duress and Necessity. Duress is when an individual commits a crime out of fear of harm or threat of violence. Necessity is when an individual commits a crime in order to protect themselves, their family, or their property from harm. Duress and Necessity are sometimes referred to as 'choice of evils' defense. In order for an individual to successfully use the Duress and Coercion (Justification or Necessity) defense, they must be able to prove that they had no other reasonable choice but to commit the crime in order to protect themselves, their family, or their property from harm. The court must also consider the gravity of the crime and the level of coercion involved.