What do criminal defenses provide in legal terms?

Criminal defenses serve as legally recognized justifications for actions that may otherwise be classified as illegal. These defenses allow an accused individual to present their case in a way that seeks to negate criminal liability. For example, defenses such as self-defense, insanity, or duress provide context in which the law acknowledges that the individual may not be fully culpable for their actions due to specific circumstances or mental states.

This concept is foundational in understanding how the legal system allows for a nuanced evaluation of behavior. It recognizes that not all illegal acts are committed with malicious intent or without justification. By establishing a legally recognized defense, the accused can argue that they should not be punished for their actions due to mitigating circumstances, thus influencing the outcome of their case significantly.

In contrast to this, the other options do not reflect the fundamental purpose of criminal defenses. Some options suggest aims that do not align with the intent of criminal law or the pursuit of justice. For instance, prolonging legal proceedings or increasing the severity of punishment runs counter to the basic principles of fair trial and justice, which focus on ensuring that individuals are treated equitably based on the law. Additionally, introducing new charges against the accused does not correspond to the function of defenses, which are meant to provide ex