Did the defendants act alone or were they supported by another group, or perhaps a foreign Government?

Because the defendants had acted on the strength of these regulations, they could not be convicted.

But then he adds that the defendant at that moment would not be acting rationally.

"It is not a defense that the municipal defendants were attempting to comply or acting in good faith."

The judge ruled the defendants acted in self defense.

Prosecutors have already presented evidence contending the defendants acted on their own.

There does not need to be a case pending at the time the defendant acts to violate the law under Section 1512.

That defense is used in cases where a defendant acted to protect another person or himself from death or bodily harm.

Such circumstances are relevant to any determination of whether the defendant acted reasonably.

The defendant acted with at least the same mental state required for the commission of the crime.