Excuse

Concept in criminal jurisprudence Criminal defenses Part of the common law series Actual innocenceImmunityMental disorder (Insanity)Diminished responsibilityIntoxicationInfancyAutomatismAlibiConsentMistakeDuressAgeNecessityPardonPoliticalProvocationSelf-defenseSanctuaryStatute of limitationsFalse confessionEntrapment See also Criminal law and procedure Other common law areas CriminalContractTortPropertywillsTrustsEstatesEvidence Portals Law portal vte In jurisprudence, an excuse is a defense to criminal charges that is distinct from an exculpation. Justification and excuse are different defenses in a criminal case (see Justification and excuse). Exculpation is a related concept which reduces or extinguishes a person's culpability, such as their liability to pay compensation to the victim of a tort in the civil law. An excuse provides a mitigating factor for a group of persons sharing a common characteristic. Justification, as in justifiable homicide, vindicates or shows the justice. Thus, society approves of the purpose or motives underpinning some actions or the consequences flowing from them (see Robinson),[clarification needed] and distinguishes those where the behavior cannot b