- published: 25 Mar 2016
- views: 18750
In jurisprudence, an excuse or justification is a defense to criminal charges that is distinct from an exculpation. In this context, "to excuse" means to grant or obtain an exemption for a group of persons sharing a common characteristic from a potential liability. "To justify" as in justifiable homicide means to "vindicate" or show the justice in the particular conduct. Thus, society approves of the purpose or motives underpinning some actions or the consequences flowing from them (see Robinson), and distinguishes those where the behavior cannot be approved but some excuse may be found in the characteristics of the defendant, e.g. that the accused was a serving police officer or suffering from a mental illness. Thus, a justification describes the quality of the act, whereas an excuse relates to the status or capacity (or lack of it) in the accused. "To exculpate" means to free an individual from culpability after they have caused loss or damage, and to represent this in a judgment that is either an acquittal, mitigates sentencing in the criminal law, or reduces or extinguishes the liability to pay compensation to the victim in the civil law.
Come around, talk to me
The are things that we need to discuss
I can see your way out
But you never try to help yourself
So are you better off now?
And as you fight the feelings
You must be strong and not give in
You could be better off now
You've got to fight this all the way
No more words left to say
I know there are many you can blame
But in the end you will lose
If you choose to just go on the same
And are you better off now?
If you are still here breathing
There is a chance to put things right
So are you better off now?
Just take control of your own life
Just realise that there's a world around you
We all try so hard, and you don't care at all
'Cos it's thrown back in my face
And I'm tired of your excuses
You're not here on your own
Why do I talk to you
When you don't take in a word
And reject everything
The many times I've thrown a line your way
So are you better off now?
And while I'll watch them grieving
You're gonna leave it all to me
And are you better off now?
You are that selfish you don't see
Just realise that there's a world around you
We all try so hard, and you don't care at all
'Cos it's thrown back in my face
And I'm tired of your excuses
You're not here on your own
When you just accept your weakness