In China, the concept and practice of legal defense have evolved significantly. Historically, the Confucian value of social harmony often meant that open, adversarial confrontation in a legal setting was less common than in the West. Admitting fault and seeking a mediated resolution was often prioritized over a vigorous legal fight. Comparing 辩护 (biànhù) to “legal defense” in American culture highlights a key difference. In the U.S., the defense attorney's role is deeply embedded in the “innocent until proven guilty” principle and is seen as a cornerstone of justice. In China, while the legal framework for defense exists and is strengthening, there can still be a residual cultural perception that mounting a strong 辩护 (biànhù) is an attempt to “get away with something” or deny the obvious, rather than an essential right. For learners, it's important to understand that while 辩护 (biànhù) is the correct legal term, the act itself can be viewed through a different cultural lens, one that is slowly shifting with the modernization of China's legal system.
辩护 (biànhù) is used primarily in formal contexts.
Its connotation is generally neutral and professional, but it can be perceived negatively if the person or cause being defended is seen as clearly in the wrong (e.g., “Why are you still defending him?”).