Defenses to Crimes

Defenses to Crimes

Defenses to Crimes in Criminal Law

Introduction to Defenses to Crimes

Defense is a broad term that refers to numerous claims that serve to rebut (refute), mitigate (moderate), justify, or excuse conduct that the state has labeled criminal. Some defenses are factual. For example, an accused person may offer an alibi that demonstrates that he or she was not present at the crime scene at the time the crime occurred. Other defenses, such as insanity, acknowledge that the accused committed the crime but assert that he or she should not be held responsible. Some defenses serve to explain the circumstances of the action and negate criminal liability. For example, if a person kills another in self-defense, the law provides that the prohibited act was justified and not appropriate for punishment.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

Guide to Defenses to Crimes

In this Section

Criminal Law Elements (including Wrongful Act and Mental Fault), Defenses to Crimes (including Insanity, Age, Intoxication, Duress, Mistake, Self-Defense and Entrapment) and Crime Parties (including Principals

and Accessories).


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