The process of defending (resisting or opposing) a criminal or civil case, or the argument or document put forward in response to such a case.

A person who defends a case is known as the defendant, but their legal team is collectively known as “the defence”.

In a criminal case, a defence is an argument or set of facts which tend to reduce or remove the defendant’s guilt. Criminal defences include “Self-defence”, “Diminished responsibility” and “Insanity”.

In a civil case, a defence might be to dispute the facts relied on or the basis in law of the claim. There are specific defences to particular types of claim.