Defenses

voluntary intoxication

(Not ________) may be a defense where the crime requires a specific mental state, such as homicide.

Necessity

defendant is compelled to react to a situation that is unavoidable in order to protect their or a life.

Self Defense

must have a reasonable belief that there is an imminent danger of bodily harm and use reasonable force that is no more than necessary

Defense of others

may use force to defend another if the person defended would be entitled to claim self-defense

Infancy

defendant is too young to be held responsible

Insanity

defendant didn’t know the difference between right or wrong OR defendant lacked substantial capacity or appreciate the nature of their actions (not a complete defense, verdict is guilty by reason of insanity)

Entrapment

defendant is induced or persuaded to commit the crime by a law enforcement officer (must show that they would not have committed the crime if not for the officers inducement)

Intoxication

(not voluntary intoxication) may be a defense where the crime requires a specific mental state, such as homicide

Duress

defendant acts as a result of coercion or a threat of immediate danger to life or personal safety

Defense of property

may use reasonable non-deadly force to protect property