Speaking legal English. Борисова Л.А. - 29 стр.

knowingly get themselves intoxicated must be held responsible for their acts.
Consequently, intoxication is not a defense.
       Nearly every system of law recognizes the defense of self-defense. In
English law, a defendant can avoid guilt for injuring someone if he can convince
the court that the force he used was reasonable to protect himself in the
circumstances. In some countries, shooting an unarmed burglar would be
recognized as self-defense, but in other it might be considered unreasonable
force.

      1. What is the difference between defense and mitigation?
      2. In what cases is duress not considered a defense?
      3. What is needed to consider insanity a defense?
      4. Why is intoxication not considered a defense in some countries?
      5. What is considered self-defense in England?
      6. What is your personal attitude to these defenses? Do you think a
         person should really be excused if they are mentally ill or drunk?
      7. Are the defenses the same in Russia?

      Exercise 16. Read the story, and then follow the instructions.

      As he left for a visit to his outlying districts, the jealous Baron warned his
pretty wife: «Do not leave the castle while 1 am gone, or I will punish you
severely when I return!»
      But as the hours passed, the young Baroness grew lonely, and despite her
husband's warning, decided to visit her lover who lived in the countryside
nearby.
      The castle was located on an island in a wide, fast flowing river, with a
drawbridge linking the island and the land at the narrowest point in the river.
      «Surely my husband will not return before dawn», she thought, and
ordered her servants to lower the drawbridge and leave it down until she
returned.
      After spending several pleasant hours with her lover, the Baroness
returned to the drawbridge, only to find it blocked by a madman wildly waving a
long and cruel knife.
      «Do not attempt to cross this bridge, Baroness, or I will kill you», he
raved. Fearing for her life, the Baroness returned to her lover and asked him to
help.
      «Our relationship is only a romantic one», he said. «I will not help». The
Baroness then sought out a boatman on the river, explained her plight to him,
and asked him to take her across the river in his boat.
      «I will do it, but only if you can pay my fee of five marks».
      «But I have no money with me!» the Baroness protested.
      «That is too bad. No money, no ride», the boatman said flatly.
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