Law A-Level
Justification vs Excuse
What Justification vs Excuse means in Law A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Justification vs Excuse
Distinction between acts deemed 'right' under the circumstances, such as self-defence, and acts where the defendant is not blamed due to external pressure or internal impairment, such as duress or insanity.
Topics that use Justification vs Excuse
- Criminal law (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Actus reus
- Appropriation
- Dishonesty
- Legal Liberalism and Autonomy
- Legislative Reform
- Mens rea
- Public Policy and Consent
- Retributivism and Just Deserts
Using Justification vs Excuse in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
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