Which statement about motive as a defense is true?

Which statement about motive as a defense is true?

• A. Involuntary intoxication is a defense
• B. Mistake of fact is a defense
• C. Motivation is not a defense
• D. Alibi is a defense

Answer: (D)

Motive doesn’t excuse a crime; it explains why someone might have done it, but it doesn’t prove innocence. The defense that actually challenges the defendant’s culpability on factual grounds is an alibi, which asserts you were somewhere else when the crime occurred. If the alibi is supported by evidence, the person could not have committed the act, making it a valid defense. Involuntary intoxication and mistake of fact relate to mental state or belief and can be defenses in some cases, but they don’t address motive as a defense. Therefore, stating that alibi is a defense is the true statement in this context.

Motive doesn’t excuse a crime; it explains why someone might have done it, but it doesn’t prove innocence. The defense that actually challenges the defendant’s culpability on factual grounds is an alibi, which asserts you were somewhere else when the crime occurred. If the alibi is supported by evidence, the person could not have committed the act, making it a valid defense. Involuntary intoxication and mistake of fact relate to mental state or belief and can be defenses in some cases, but they don’t address motive as a defense. Therefore, stating that alibi is a defense is the true statement in this context.