Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Self-Defense and Treachery: Key Distinctions in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine law.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, and why self-defense failed in People v. Manulit.
When Self-Defense Fails: Unlawful Aggression and Treachery in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a claim of self-defense failed and how treachery qualified a killing as murder.
Self-Defense vs Conspiracy: Criminal Liability in Group Violence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense is available in group violence and how conspiracy affects criminal liability.
Self-Defense vs Murder: Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails in murder cases, focusing on unlawful aggression as its primordial element.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Sudden Attacks and the Limits of Self-Defense
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies as treachery, raising murder to reclusion perpetua.
Self-Defense Under Scrutiny: When Does Defense Become Unlawful Aggression
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails, examining unlawful aggression, reasonable means, and the point where defense becomes aggression.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Examining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims and treachery, and why the burden of proof matters in criminal cases.
The Limits of Self-Defense: Establishing Unlawful Aggression in Homicide Cases
Explore how Philippine courts require clear proof of unlawful aggression for self-defense claims, using a 2010 murder case as guide.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Proving Unlawful Aggression for Justification
Learn how Philippine courts test self-defense claims, focusing on the indispensable element of unlawful aggression, from People v. Aburque.
When Silence Does Not Mean Consent: Self-Defense and Resistance in Philippine Rape Law
In People v. Madeo, the Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's failure to shout or resist does not prove consent, and how force and intimidation are assessed.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Affirming Murder Conviction Despite Self-Defense Claim
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, rejecting self-defense where the accused admitted killing but failed to prove unlawful aggression.
Eyewitness Credibility and the Principle of Alibi: Standards of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
This article explains how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, self-defense claims, and abuse of superior strength in murder cases.
Self-Defense or Murder: Credibility and Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder in People v. Pajabera.
Homicide and Self-Defense: Burden of Proof and Mitigating Circumstances
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why self-defense must be proven by the accused and how courts assess voluntary surrender and damages in homicide cases.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
How the Supreme Court rejected self-defense and upheld treachery in a murder conviction, explaining the burden of proof on accused persons.
Self-Defense or Murder: Treachery and Voluntary Surrender in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden knife attack is treachery, and when voluntary surrender can mitigate murder liability.
Limits of Self-Defense When Force Used Exceeds the Threat
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when self-defense fails because the force used exceeds the threat, with practical legal takeaways.
Self-Defense and Parricide: Proving Justification in Spousal Homicide
When a husband kills his wife, self-defense is hard to prove. This case explains the legal requirements and penalties.
Self-Defense Rejected: How the Supreme Court Affirmed a Murder Conviction in People v. Villa
The Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction in People v. Villa, ruling that self-defense failed because the accused was the aggressor and treachery qualified the killing.
Self Defense Claim Fails Why Intent AND Evidence Matter IN Murder Cases
Learn why the Supreme Court rejected a self-defense claim in a murder case, emphasizing intent and evidence.
Treachery Defined: Upholding Justice Despite Claims of Self-Defense in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, and why a self-defense claim failed in a fatal stabbing.
Provocation vs Aggression: Distinguishing Mitigating Circumstances in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a victim's act may not be unlawful aggression for self-defense but can still be sufficient provocation to mitigate homicide.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Burden of Proof in Philippine Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on self-defense, unlawful aggression, and the accused's burden of proof in homicide cases.