Define: Justification

Justification, in legal terms, refers to a defence or excuse that can be used to justify or excuse certain actions that would otherwise be considered illegal or wrongful.

Some common examples of actions that can be justified include self-defence, defence of others, protection of property, and consent.

Self-defence justifies an action when it is necessary to protect oneself from imminent harm or danger. The force used must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat faced.

Yes, you can use force to defend someone else if you reasonably believe that they are in immediate danger and that your intervention is necessary to protect them.

Yes, you may still be able to justify your actions if you honestly believed that you were in danger, even if it later turns out that your belief was mistaken. However, the reasonableness of your belief will be taken into consideration.

Provocation can sometimes be used as a defence to justify certain actions, but it depends on the specific circumstances and the jurisdiction. In some cases, provocation may reduce the severity of the offense or be considered as a mitigating factor.

Yes, consent can be used as a justification for certain actions, particularly in cases involving physical contact or activities that would otherwise be considered illegal, such as medical procedures or sports.

Acting under duress, where you were forced to commit an illegal act due to a threat of harm, can sometimes be used as a defence to justify your actions. However, the specific circumstances and the reasonableness of your response will be considered.

Following orders may be a defence in certain situations, such as military or law enforcement contexts. However, blindly following orders is not always a valid justification, and the legality and reasonableness of the orders will be taken into account.

If you genuinely believed that you had a legal duty to act, it may be possible to justify your actions. However, the existence and nature of the legal duty will be examined, and the reasonableness of your belief will be considered.