Defenses

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

Defense of property- may use reasonable non-deadly force to protect property

Infancy- defendant is too young to be held responsible

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

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)

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

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

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 officer’s inducement)