General Defense
/ˈdʒɛnərəl dɪˈfɛns/
Definitions
- (n.) A broad legal justification asserting that the defendant's actions are lawful or excusable under prevailing legal principles, absolving liability.
The defendant raised a general defense of self-defense to justify his actions.
- (n.) A non-specific defense available in various legal contexts that rebuts the plaintiff's claims without relying on particular affirmative facts.
The attorney presented a general defense denying all allegations made by the plaintiff.
Forms
- general defense
Related terms
See also
Commentary
General defenses are often contrasted with affirmative defenses, which require the defendant to prove specific facts; drafters should clarify whether a defense negates an element of the claim or raises new facts justifying non-liability.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.