Legal Definitions - full defense

A full defense is a legal argument or strategy presented by a defendant in a civil or criminal case that, if successfully proven, completely absolves them of all legal responsibility or guilt for the alleged wrongdoing. Unlike a partial defense, which might reduce the severity of charges or penalties, a full defense aims for a complete acquittal, dismissal of the case, or a finding of no liability.

• Example 1 (Criminal Law - Self-Defense): Sarah is accused of assault after physically confronting an individual. However, she presents evidence that the individual had attacked her first, and she acted solely to protect herself from imminent harm, using only reasonable force necessary to stop the attack. If the court or jury accepts her argument of legitimate self-defense, she would be completely acquitted of the assault charge, as her actions would be deemed lawful under the circumstances. This is a full defense because it entirely negates her criminal liability.

• Example 2 (Civil Law - Statute of Limitations): A small business, "Green Gardens Inc.," is sued by a former client for an alleged breach of contract related to a landscaping project completed eight years ago. Green Gardens Inc. argues that the lawsuit was filed well beyond the state's legal deadline (the statute of limitations) for bringing such contract claims, which is typically five years. If the court agrees that the statute of limitations has expired, the case against Green Gardens Inc. will be dismissed entirely, regardless of the original merits of the client's claim. This constitutes a full defense as it completely eliminates the company's potential liability.

• Example 3 (Criminal Law - Alibi): Mark is accused of committing a robbery that occurred at a specific bank on Tuesday at 2:00 PM. Mark's defense team presents compelling evidence, including flight records, hotel receipts, and witness testimony, proving that Mark was on a business trip in a different country at the exact time the robbery took place. If the jury believes Mark's alibi, it completely disproves his involvement in the crime, leading to a full acquittal. This is a full defense because it demonstrates that he could not have committed the act.