a valid defence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a valid defence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts or discussions about arguments that are acceptable or justifiable. Example: "The lawyer presented a valid defence that challenged the prosecution's evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Being drunk is a valid defence.

The Economist

It is even possible to interpret canon law as claiming that a valid defence for paedophile offences is paedophilia.

The Guardian - Books

In other words, 40-year-olds who were terrible in their 20s pose little risk today.The EEOC alleges that BMW and Dollar both used background checks in a manner "not job-related and consistent with business necessity" (generally a valid defence against an accusation of disparate-impact discrimination).

The Economist

But in the name of national reconciliation and at times under threats of mutiny the new, elected president, Raul Alfonsin, in 1986 had a law passed to limit prosecutions, and in 1987 another that made "obeying orders" a valid defence for those who did face them.

The Economist

A random sample includes: why the distribution of wet and dry ear wax in humans suggests that the people of South Korea might be the least smelly on earth; why the idea of a Danish Viking conquest of the British Isles involving rape and pillage is not borne out by a genetic legacy; and why monoamine oxidase A, the so-called "warrior gene", ought not to be a valid defence in criminal trials.

The Guardian - Books

It's a valid defence, and one that is supported by the Electronic Frontiers Foundation (EFF), a body much-loved among hackers.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

However, researchers at the University of Amsterdam suggest that national security exemptions mean the firms have a valid legal defence.

BBC

Both sides agreed that M'Naghten was insane; the question was what constituted a valid legal defence of insanity.

Wikipedia

And yet, the homosexual sadomasochistic case of R v Brown (1994 concluded that consent is no valid defence to assault.

The Guardian - Opinion

Presumably Susan has no valid defence so is unable to answer.

BBC

Valid defences are those of statutory authority, consent, where it is necessary to interfere with the goods, or jus tertii.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a valid defence" in legal writing, ensure that the defence is supported by evidence and aligns with relevant legal principles. Provide specific details to strengthen its credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a valid defence" without sufficient context or specific details. A vague or unsubstantiated defence can weaken your argument. Always provide concrete evidence and reasoning to support the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a valid defence" functions as a noun phrase, with "valid" acting as an adjective that modifies the noun "defence". It typically identifies a reason or argument presented to justify or excuse an action, often within legal or formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a valid defence" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, typically functioning as a noun phrase that describes a justifiable reason or argument, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as wiki contexts, often appearing in legal or formal discussions. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific details and evidence to support the defence, avoiding vague or unsubstantiated claims. Alternative phrases include "a sound defense", "a legitimate defense", and "a justifiable defense", each offering slight nuances in meaning. Remember that "a valid defence" carries more weight in formal contexts compared to a simple excuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sound defense

Replaces "valid" with "sound", emphasizing the robustness and strength of the defense.

a legitimate defense

Substitutes "valid" with "legitimate", focusing on the lawfulness and acceptability of the defense.

a justifiable defense

Replaces "valid" with "justifiable", highlighting the fairness and reasonableness of the defense.

an acceptable defense

Changes "valid" to "acceptable", stressing that the defense meets a certain standard of approval.

a tenable defense

Uses "tenable" instead of "valid", indicating that the defense is capable of being maintained or defended against attack or objection.

a plausible defense

Replaces "valid" with "plausible", suggesting that the defense is believable and credible.

a credible defense

Substitutes "valid" with "credible", focusing on the trustworthiness and reliability of the defense.

a defensible argument

Shifts the focus to the "argument" itself, emphasizing that it can be defended.

a strong alibi

Offers a specific type of defense, focusing on proving innocence by being elsewhere.

a legal justification

Replaces "defense" with a more general "justification", specifying that it is based on legal grounds.

FAQs

How can I use "a valid defence" in a sentence?

You can use "a valid defence" to describe a justifiable reason or argument presented in a legal or argumentative context. For example, "The lawyer presented "a valid defence" based on the defendant's alibi".

What can I say instead of "a valid defence"?

Alternatives to "a valid defence" include "a sound defense", "a legitimate defense", or "a justifiable defense", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "a valid defence" or "an valid defence"?

"A valid defence" is correct. The indefinite article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, while "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "a valid defence" and "a valid excuse"?

"A valid defence" typically refers to a formal justification, often in a legal context, while "a valid excuse" is a more informal justification for an action or behavior. The former carries more weight and is usually presented in structured arguments.