Which of the following is NOT categorized as an affirmative defense?

Intent is not categorized as an affirmative defense because it refers to the state of mind of the defendant at the time the offense was committed. In criminal law, proving intent is often necessary to establish guilt, particularly when discussing specific intent crimes. The prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant intended to commit the crime, or acted with a certain level of awareness regarding their actions.

In contrast, affirmative defenses directly counteract the prosecution's claims by presenting reasons that, if proven, excuse or justify the accused's actions. Duress, entrapment, and mental defect fall into this category, as they provide legal justifications for behavior that would otherwise be considered criminal. Each of these defenses involves a significant issue that can absolve or diminish legal liability, focusing on external factors influencing the defendant's actions or a mental state impacting their ability to understand their actions.