What does the term 'affirmative defense' mean in a legal context?

In the legal context, an "affirmative defense" refers to a type of defense strategy where the defendant acknowledges that they have committed the act in question but provides a justification or excuse that may absolve them of legal responsibility. This means that the defendant admits to the actions but argues that there are valid reasons that should lead to a not guilty verdict, such as self-defense, insanity, or duress.

This approach contrasts with other defense strategies that may focus solely on denying the allegations or asserting that the prosecution has failed to meet its burden of proof. Since an affirmative defense openly admits to the behavior associated with the crime, it is crucial for the defendant to provide substantial evidence or arguments supporting their justification in order to succeed in their defense strategy.