Justifications and Defenses

Crimes fall into broad categories: crimes against persons, crimes against property, crimes against public order or morality. Similarly, legal defenses fall into two broad categories: justification defenses, and excuse defenses.

Where the crime is committed and is not justified or excused, the defendant is "guilty." If the defense is found to be true, the defendant is acquitted and found "not guilty."

Consider a "crime against persons," specifically assault, and a potential self-defense claim. Come up with a hypothetical fact pattern that contains facts and circumstances about an assault and the potential self-defense claim.

Choose either the role of the prosecution or the defense. Make an argument using the facts, either for or against the defendant's guilt. You should include a description of the crime, the defense, and an argument regarding the applicability of the defense. Based on your analysis, state your conclusion as to whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.