Defense strategy WSJ Crossword Clue

Think of a story that places you far from the scene of the action.

An ????? is a claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an act, typically a criminal one, is alleged to have taken place.

An '?????' is a form of defense strategy where someone provides evidence that they were elsewhere when an alleged act took place, thus proving they couldn't have been involved. In legal terms, it's a crucial part of a defense strategy to establish innocence.

Defendant’s out, Defendant’s story, It might crumble under cross-examination, Interrogation room excuse, Cover story, in court