Innovative defenses (the invention of which is sometimes called creative lawyering) are relatively new and untried defenses for having committed a criminal act. Being innovative, there is little or no precedent bearing upon them. Such defenses include:
- the abuse defense
- Battered woman defence
- premenstrual stress syndrome
- the biological defense (the "Twinkie Defense")
- "Black rage"
- urban survival syndrome.
Parodies of innovative defenses are sometimes seen in entertainment, for example the Chewbacca Defense.
Famous quotes containing the words innovative and/or defense:
“A conventional good read is usually a bad read, a relaxing bath in what we know already. A true good read is surely an act of innovative creation in which we, the readers, become conspirators.”
—Malcolm Bradbury (b. 1932)
“Though a censure lies against those who are poor and proud, yet is Pride sooner to be forgiven in a poor person than in a rich one; since in the latter it is insult and arrogance; in the former, it may be a defense against temptations to dishonesty; and, if manifested on proper occasions, may indicate a natural bravery of mind, which the frowns of fortune cannot depress.”
—Samuel Richardson (1689–1761)