defence plea crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! We're here to help you solve "defence plea crossword clue" with ease. Below you'll find the most probable answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "defence plea crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PLEA: A formal statement made by a defendant in court, such as 'guilty' or 'not guilty'.
5 Letters
ALIBI: A claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an act is alleged to have taken place.
6 Letters
EXCUSE: A reason or explanation put forward to defend or justify a fault or offense.
8 Letters
ARGUMENT: A reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong, often used in a legal defence.
More About "defence plea crossword clue"
The clue "defence plea" often points towards terms used in legal or judicial contexts. Crossword setters frequently use such clues to test solvers' vocabulary related to law, crime, and justice. Understanding the nuances between words like 'alibi,' 'excuse,' and 'plea' itself is key to pinpointing the correct answer.
While an alibi specifically asserts presence elsewhere, an excuse offers a broader justification. A plea, on the other hand, is a formal declaration of a defendant's stance to a charge. These subtle differences are what crossword constructors exploit to create challenging yet solvable puzzles. Familiarity with legal terminology can give you a significant advantage when encountering such clues.
This type of clue can also sometimes lead to more general terms related to self-justification or counter-arguments, depending on the crossword's overall theme and the other letters provided. Always consider the context of the entire puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Context: For clues like "defence plea," consider if the puzzle leans towards literal legal terms, or more metaphorical senses of 'defence' or 'plea.'
- Check Letter Count First: Always verify the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately narrows down possibilities and helps you confirm potential solutions.
- Think of Synonyms and Related Concepts: Brainstorm words that are synonyms or closely associated with "defence" and "plea." Don't just think of direct translations, but also actions or concepts related to them (e.g., justifying, denying, arguing).
- Use Cross-References: If you have intersecting words, use the confirmed letters from other clues to fill in blanks and eliminate incorrect answers for "defence plea."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'defence plea' in a legal context?
In a legal context, a 'defence plea' refers to the formal statement made by or on behalf of a defendant in response to a charge. This could be a plea of 'guilty,' 'not guilty,' or 'nolo contendere' (no contest), indicating their position regarding the accusations. It's a fundamental part of the judicial process.
Why might 'ALIBI' be a common answer for 'defence plea'?
An 'ALIBI' is a classic form of defence plea. It is a claim that the defendant was elsewhere at the time the alleged crime took place, thereby making it impossible for them to have committed the act. Providing an alibi is a direct way to plead innocence and mount a defence, making it a fitting crossword answer.
How can I improve my crossword solving skills for legal or technical clues?
To improve your skills for legal or technical clues like 'defence plea', try to think of synonyms, related concepts, and specific terminology associated with the field. Building your vocabulary in various domains, using a thesaurus, and familiarizing yourself with common crossword patterns for such clues can be very helpful. Practice with themed puzzles to expand your knowledge.