What do "criminal defenses" include?

Criminal defenses encompass legal arguments employed by the defense to counter the prosecution's claims. These arguments aim to demonstrate that the evidence presented by the prosecution is insufficient to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Criminal defenses can take various forms, including self-defense, alibi, insanity, or lack of intent, among others. Each of these strategies serves to undermine the prosecution's case either by raising doubts about the evidence or by showing that the defendant’s actions fall outside the definition of a crime.

While methods to ensure a fair trial, strategies for jury selection, and the documentation required for defense attorneys are integral parts of the legal process, they do not constitute the core of what criminal defenses are. They may support the overall functioning of the legal system and impact the outcome of a trial, but they do not specifically refer to the arguments made in defense of a criminal case. Thus, the primary focus of criminal defenses is indeed on challenging the prosecution’s case effectively.