释义 |
defence n. 1. In civil proceedings, the response by a defendant to service of a claim. Once a claim form or particulars of claim have been served on the defendant, he is under an obligation to respond. If he does not file a defence, judgment in default may be entered against him under Part 12 of the Civil Procedure Rules. Generally, a defence must be filed within 14 days of service of the claim. The defendant may obtain an extension of a further 14 days by filing an acknowledgment of service under Part 10 of the Civil Procedure Rules. 2. In civil and criminal proceedings, an issue of law or fact that, if determined in favour of the defendant, will relieve him of liability wholly or in part. See also general defences. |