What is a defining characteristic of the defense of justification?

The defense of justification is centered around the notion that a defendant's actions, although potentially unlawful, were necessary to prevent a greater harm from occurring. This claim suggests that the defendant had a reasonable belief that their conduct was required to avert a significant threat or injury either to themselves or to others. In this context, the emphasis is on the justification for the actions taken during a specific situation, highlighting the moral reasoning that the defendant was acting out of necessity rather than malice or criminal intent. This aligns well with scenarios often addressed in legal cases involving self-defense or defense of others, where the law recognizes that sometimes, under certain circumstances, causing harm can be acceptable if it ultimately leads to preventing a more severe outcome.

The other options pertain to different legal defenses or considerations; denying involvement speaks to an alibi or innocence claim, following orders may relate to defenses under duress or obedience, and seeking a reduced sentence often pertains to mitigating factors rather than a defense of justification.