That raised a central question: whether the defendants could assert a "medical necessity defense," maintaining that they broke the law because their health required it.

The defendants asserted that the confessions had been made under duress and retracted them at their trial.

In some circumstances, the defendant might assert political motivations in order to seek acquittal.

The defendants asserted no health and safety or other factual defenses.

In addition, many defendants asserted that they were tortured and their families threatened.

In other words, a defendant may not assert another person's rights.

Ultimately the court found "that the defendants may not assert a fair use defense to plaintiffs' copyright infringement claim".

The defendants all asserted that the command performance was identical with almost 600 previous performances.

Nor can the state offer evidence that the defendant asserted his rights-that he "lawyered up" or refused to talk.

In court, the three defendants pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace, but asserted that they were not responsible for their actions.