What defines 'duress of circumstances' as a legal defense?

Duress of circumstances is defined as a situation where an individual commits a crime not due to a direct threat from another person, but rather because they feel they have no choice due to the circumstances they find themselves in. This defense operates on the premise that the individual was forced to act against their better judgment to avoid immediate danger or serious harm in a specific situation. For example, if someone steals food to feed their starving child, they may claim duress of circumstances, arguing that their actions were compelled by the dire need to prevent harm.

The other options do not accurately describe duress of circumstances. A threat of harm from another person refers more to traditional duress, where the coercion comes directly from a person rather than an external situation. Unlawful killing due to mental impairment speaks to a different legal defense concerning the defendant's mental state and capacity, while coercion by a police officer does not fit within the framework of duress of circumstances, as it pertains specifically to unlawful pressure applied by an authority figure rather than situational compulsion.