Which of the following is a complete defense to criminal charges?

Self-defense is recognized as a complete defense to criminal charges because it justifies the use of force in order to protect oneself from imminent harm. In legal terms, if an individual can demonstrate that they reasonably believed they were in danger of being harmed and that their response was proportionate to that threat, they may absolve themselves of criminal liability. This defense establishes that the actions taken were not criminal, as they were necessary to prevent greater harm.

In contrast, provocation may reduce the severity of a charge, but it does not completely absolve the individual from liability—it provides a partial defense that can lead to a lesser charge, such as manslaughter instead of murder. Duress also serves as a partial defense; it can lessen the culpability for crimes committed under threat of harm, but it does not exonerate an individual completely. Imperfect self-defense acknowledges the intent to harm but can serve to lessen the charge as well. Therefore, these other options do not serve as complete defenses in the same way that self-defense does.