Apologia (noun)

A speech or written defense of one's opinions or conduct.

Origin:

Late 16th century: from latin, from greek apologia 'a speech in defense', from apologēsesthai 'speak in one's defense'.

Examples:

1. The defendant gave an apologia in which he explained his actions and stated his innocence.
2. An apologia can be a powerful tool for convincing others of the validity of one's argument.
3. In his apologia, Socrates famously declared that an unexamined life was not worth living.
4. An apologia is often given in response to criticism or attack, in order to rebut the charges and clear one's name.
5. A well-crafted apologia can be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of a legal or political dispute.