Civil law defenses

Insanity

A defense claiming the defendant was unable to understand right from wrong due to a severe mental illness at the time of the crime.

Entrapment

When law enforcement pressures or tricks someone into committing a crime they would not have committed otherwise.

Duress

A defense stating the defendant committed a crime because they were forced or threatened with serious harm.

Speedy Trial

A constitutional right that ensures a defendant is tried within a reasonable time.

Search and Seizure

A defense based on the Fourth Amendment, protecting against illegal searches or confiscation of evidence.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A defense arguing that trauma affected the defendant's mental state and behavior.

Battered Spouse Syndrome

A defense explaining how long term abuse affected the defendant's actions or judgment.

Postpartum Depression

A defense involving a mental health condition following childbirth that affects judgment or behavior.

Involuntary Intoxication

When a person is intoxicated without knowing or choosing to be.

Mistake of Law

Believing an action was legal when it was not.

Mistake of Fact

A misunderstanding about a fact that negates criminal intent.

Alibi

Proof that the defendant was somewhere else when the crime occurred.

Necessity

A defense claiming a crime was committed to prevent greater harm.

Statute of Limitations

A law that limits how long after a crime charges can be filed.

Automatism

A defense claiming the defendant acted unconsciously or without control.

Laches

A defense used when a legal claim is delayed too long and causes unfair harm to the defendant.