Identify the various defenses used to answer against charges of criminal misconduct.
There are numerous defenses a person can offer at trial to justify their actions. Defenses to a criminal charge can be either a perfect defense, or an imperfect defense. The most common defenses against criminal charges include: (1) Alibi, (2) consent or condoning by the victim, (3) entrapment, frame-up, and outrageous government conduct, (4) immunity or privilege, (5) involuntary actions, (6) mistake or ignorance of fact of law, (7) Necessity, (8) self-defense, (9) Youth, and (10) the insanity defense.
1. At what stage of the criminal justice process are defenses typically offered?
2. Name some of the types of common defenses used by a defendant.
3. What are the two major categories of defense to crimes?
4. Name three categories of affirmative defenses.