Give an example of an affirmative defense.

An affirmative defense is a type of defense used in criminal law where the defendant acknowledges that they committed the act in question but argues that there is a legal justification or excuse for their actions. Self-defense is a prime example of an affirmative defense. In a situation where a person uses force to protect themselves from imminent harm, they can argue that their actions, although ostensibly criminal, were justified under the circumstances.

In a self-defense claim, the defendant must demonstrate that they had a reasonable belief that they were in danger and that the force used was proportional to the threat faced. If successful, this defense can result in a not guilty verdict, as it legally justifies the defendant's actions despite the presence of potential criminality.

Other options such as insanity, coercion, and duress are also notable defenses, but they differ in their applications. Insanity refers to a mental state that prevents the defendant from understanding the nature of their actions or knowing that those actions are wrong, rather than justifying their actions. Coercion and duress involve compelling a person to act against their will under threat of harm, aligning more with the argument that the defendant did not voluntarily commit the crime rather than asserting a justification for the act.