General Exceptions
BNS Section 25 - Act not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done by consent
Simple summary
Read the official BNS text below and consult an advocate for advice based on your facts.
Full official legal text
25. Act not intended and not known to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, done by
consent.--Nothing which is not intended to cause death, or grievous hurt, and which is not known by the
doer to be likely to cause death or grievous hurt, is an offence by reason of any harm which it may cause,
or be intended by the doer to cause, to any person, above eighteen years of age, who has given consent,
whether express or implied, to suffer that harm; or by reason of any harm which it may be known by the
doer to be likely to cause to any such person who has consented to take the risk of that harm.
Illustration.
A and Z agree to fence with each other for amusement. This agreement implies the consent of each to
suffer any harm which, in the course of such fencing, may be caused without foul play; and if A, while
playing fairly, hurts Z, A commits no offence.