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Self Defense
Self defense provides a justification for a crime and a complete defense, requiring an acquittal. It is often termed an "affirmative" defense because the prosecution can prove all the elements of the offense, but the defendant is not guilty because of self-defense. That is, in a murder case, the defendant intentionally shot the victim with the purpose to kill them, but did so because the victim had raised a gun and was about to shoot. Or, in an assault case, the defendant intentionally punched the victim, and is therefore guilty of all the elements of assault, but did so to prevent the victim from punching them.
Self defense, and particularly deadly self defense, contain many requirements, but they are mostly commonsense. We will read sample statutes from three states with several of these requirements in mind. We will then read three cases that expand upon some of these requirements. The Goetz case deals with reasonable belief. The Norman case deals with the imminence requirement. And finally the Castillo case deals with the initial aggressor exception.
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