What is a defense in legal proceedings?
Q: What is a defense in legal proceedings?
A: A defense is a response made by a defendant to either avoid criminal or civil liability in civil proceedings and criminal prosecutions under common law.
Q: When can a defendant invoke a defense in legal proceedings?
A: In civil proceedings and criminal prosecutions under common law, a defendant can raise a defense to either avoid criminal or civil liability.
Q: What is the purpose of a defense in legal proceedings?
A: The purpose of a defense is to provide a defendant with an opportunity to counter accusations by the plaintiff or prosecutor, and avoid any criminal or civil liability.
Q: What is the significance of a defense in equity?
A: A defense is also an answer in equity, which allows a defendant to justify or excuse their actions under certain circumstances.
Q: Can a defendant deny a prosecutor's charges using a defense?
A: Yes, a defendant can raise a defense in denial of a prosecutor's charges in criminal proceedings under common law.
Q: Is a defense applicable only in criminal proceedings?
A: No, a defense is applicable in both civil proceedings and criminal prosecutions under the common law.
Q: How does a defense help a defendant in legal proceedings?
A: By raising a defense, a defendant can counter the allegations made by the plaintiff or prosecutor, and avoid any criminal or civil liability.