What is a common defense against criminal charges?

Self-defense is a commonly recognized legal defense in criminal cases where an individual claims that their actions were justified because they were protecting themselves from imminent harm. This defense hinges on the premise that a person has the right to protect themselves if they genuinely believe that they are in danger of being harmed or killed.

In a self-defense claim, the key elements often include the immediate nature of the threat, the proportionality of the response, and the reasonableness of the defendant's belief that self-defense was necessary. If these elements are proven, it can absolve the individual of criminal liability for the actions they took in the situation.

For instance, if someone is attacked and responds by using reasonable force to defend themselves, they may be able to successfully argue that their actions were necessary for their protection. This defense acknowledges the instinct to survive and the human right to defend oneself when threatened, making it a robust option in criminal cases.

While there are other defenses such as an alibi, insanity, or entrapment, which can also provide grounds for defense, self-defense is particularly significant in cases involving violent confrontations, as it directly relates to the concept of personal safety and the right to defend oneself against unlawful aggression.