Battered women who have been relying on self-defense as a justification for their actions are often successful in their defense. However, the traditional formulation and interpretations of the requirements of the law of self-defense mean that self-defense pleas are likely to be unsuccessful in some situations. Women who killed their batters during an acute battering incident will be able to meet the requirements of the self-defense standard. However, a claim of self-defense is unlikely to be successful if the woman killed her batterer during a lull in the beatings, such as when he was asleep or when his back was turned. These women cannot necessarily show that they were faced with an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. However, the characteristics typical of the battered woman syndrome will be of major significance in presenting an insanity defense. Although an acquittal by reason of insanity brings the possibility of commitment to a mental health facility, strong arguments can be made that such commitment is inappropriate for a battered women. Thus, this defense should be considered. 134 footnotes.