Every consent involves a submission; but a mere submission does not necessarily involve consent.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Consent implies an act of the will; mere submission under compulsion does not — a man who yields to force has not consented, and no obligation arises from coerced compliance.

Where this applies

• A homeowner voluntarily signs a contract with a builder after reviewing terms and negotiating — this is true consent, an act of the will that creates a binding obligation.
• A property owner signs a permit application under threat that the city will condemn his building if he refuses — his signature is mere submission to coercion, not genuine consent, and the obligation may be challenged.
• A parent agrees to a school policy she privately opposes because she fears her child will be expelled if she objects — her compliance is submission under pressure, not consent, and no willing agreement was ever given.