Which defense involves the plaintiff knowingly accepting risk?

• A. Voluntary assumption of risk
• B. Contributory negligence
• C. Absolute privilege
• D. Truth (justification)

Answer: (A)

Voluntary assumption of risk is a defense in tort law where the plaintiff knowingly exposes themselves to danger and accepts the possible harm. If someone understands the risk and freely chooses to encounter it—such as continuing to participate in a dangerous activity after being warned or signing a waiver—they may be barred from recovering damages because they assumed the risk. This contrasts with contributory negligence, which deals with the plaintiff’s own carelessness contributing to the harm rather than an explicit acceptance of risk. The other defenses listed relate to defamation (absolute privilege and truth/justification) and aren’t relevant to a claim about accepting risk in a negligence context. So the defense that fits the scenario is voluntary assumption of risk.