Which term describes consent as a defense in serious violent conduct?

The term that describes consent as a defense in serious violent conduct is indeed referred to as the "consent defense." This concept acknowledges that, under certain circumstances, a person may consent to conduct that would normally be considered unlawful or violent. For example, in specific contexts such as contact sports or certain medical procedures, individuals may give their permission for actions that would otherwise be viewed as battery or assault. In legal terms, if a defendant can show that the victim consented to the act in question, it may absolve them of liability or criminal consequences.

While other terms such as legal defenses and self-defense are relevant in the context of criminal law, they do not specifically address the notion of an individual's voluntary agreement to engage in conduct that is otherwise deemed violent or illegal. Lack of intent specifically refers to the absence of a mental state required to constitute a crime, which does not encompass the idea of consent. Thus, the "consent defense" accurately captures the essence of defending against charges of serious violent conduct based on the principle of voluntary agreement.