Legal Definitions - defense of habitation

Defense of habitation is a legal defense used by a defendant to justify their conduct that would otherwise be considered a criminal offense. This defense is applicable when an aggressor threatens the defendant's place of abode or premises, and the defendant engages in conduct that is harmful to the aggressor, sufficient to protect their place of abode or premises, and reasonable in relation to the harm threatened.

For example, if someone breaks into a person's home and threatens them, the homeowner can use force to protect themselves and their property. If the force used is reasonable and necessary to protect themselves, it can be considered a defense of habitation.

Other examples of legal defenses include duress, insanity, self-defense, and necessity. These defenses are used to defeat the plaintiff's or prosecution's claim, even if all the allegations in the complaint are true.