What was ruled regarding the use of duress in AG v. Whelan (1934)?

In AG v. Whelan (1934), the court established a key principle regarding the limitations of duress as a defense in criminal law. The ruling stated that duress cannot justify acts of murder. This underscores the idea that even in extreme situations where a person feels compelled to act against their will under threat of violence, the law does not permit the use of that defense for the taking of another person's life.

This decision highlights the moral and legal boundaries that are placed on acceptable conduct. It conveys that certain crimes, such as murder, are considered so severe that they cannot be excused by circumstances of coercion or duress, regardless of the situations that an individual may face. This ruling helps maintain a strong deterrent against the act of murder, promoting the view that the sanctity of life is paramount and must be protected even in dire circumstances.

Understanding this principle is crucial in Irish criminal law and illustrates the legal stance that there are limits to the defense of duress, reflecting broader societal values regarding violent crime.