Which of the following statements best defines valid consent?

Valid consent in a legal context is fundamentally rooted in the principles of authority and voluntariness. The correct assertion emphasizes that for consent to be considered valid, the individual granting it must possess the legal authority to do so and must provide that consent freely, without coercion or undue influence. This ensures that the person is not only able to make the decision but also does so willingly, reflecting true agreement to the terms or actions involved.

Written consent is not a universal requirement for all situations; many circumstances allow for verbal consent or even implied consent through actions, which makes that option less comprehensive. Additionally, the provision regarding law enforcement officers is overly restrictive, as consent can be granted by any individual with the appropriate authority rather than being limited to those in law enforcement. Thus, the focus on authority and voluntariness in the correct assertion accurately captures the essence of what constitutes valid consent.