In English, consent and
assent are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle
difference. To assent is to agree with a statement made by an equal.
For instance, in the Supreme Court, one justice writes the opinion
of the majority, to which other justices assent. Those that disagree
are said to dissent, that is to disagree.
To consent implies a power relationship where the consent is granted
by the party with more power. To consent is to give permission,
which could have been withheld. Bottom line, consent is to give
permission while assent equals agreement.