> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hyperswitch.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hyperswitch.io/integrations/prism/python/dispute-service/defend.md).

# Defend

## Overview

The `defend` method submits your formal argument against the customer's chargeback claim. This presents your case to the bank with a reason code and supporting evidence.

**Business Use Case:** After submitting delivery proof, you now submit your formal defense stating the chargeback is illegitimate because the customer received and signed for the package.

## Purpose

**Why use defend?**

| Reason Code                     | Use When                                |
| ------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| `product_or_service_provided`   | Customer received what they paid for    |
| `customer_withdrew_dispute`     | Customer contacted bank to withdraw     |
| `duplicate_charge_doc`          | Charge is legitimate and not duplicated |
| `cancellation_policy_disclosed` | Customer agreed to terms                |

## Request Fields

| Field             | Type   | Required | Description                         |
| ----------------- | ------ | -------- | ----------------------------------- |
| `dispute_id`      | string | Yes      | The connector's dispute ID          |
| `reason_code`     | string | Yes      | Defense reason code                 |
| `explanation`     | string | Yes      | Detailed explanation of defense     |
| `submit_evidence` | bool   | No       | Whether to submit attached evidence |

## Response Fields

| Field               | Type          | Description                   |
| ------------------- | ------------- | ----------------------------- |
| `dispute_id`        | string        | Connector's dispute ID        |
| `defense_submitted` | bool          | Whether defense was accepted  |
| `status`            | DisputeStatus | Updated status: UNDER\_REVIEW |
| `status_code`       | int           | HTTP-style status code        |

## Example

### SDK Setup

```python
from hyperswitch_prism import DisputeClient

dispute_client = DisputeClient(
    connector='stripe',
    api_key='YOUR_API_KEY',
    environment='SANDBOX'
)
```

### Request

```python
request = {
    "dispute_id": "dp_xxx",
    "reason_code": "product_or_service_provided",
    "explanation": "Customer ordered product on 2024-01-10. Package was delivered on 2024-01-15 to the customer's verified billing address. Customer signed for delivery. Delivery confirmation and signature captured. Customer never contacted support about issues.",
    "submit_evidence": True
}

response = await dispute_client.defend(request)
```

### Response

```python
{
    "dispute_id": "dp_xxx",
    "defense_submitted": True,
    "status": "UNDER_REVIEW",
    "status_code": 200
}
```

## Defense Reason Codes

| Code                                      | Description                                |
| ----------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| `product_or_service_provided`             | Product/service was delivered as described |
| `customer_withdrew_dispute`               | Customer withdrew with their bank          |
| `duplicate_charge_doc`                    | Charge is not a duplicate                  |
| `cancellation_policy_disclosed`           | Customer accepted terms at purchase        |
| `merchandise_or_service_not_as_described` | Product matched description                |
| `credit_not_processed`                    | Refund was already provided                |

## Next Steps

* [get](/integrations/prism/python/dispute-service/get.md) - Check dispute status after submission
* [accept](/integrations/prism/python/dispute-service/accept.md) - Consider conceding if defense is weak
* Wait for bank decision (typically takes 60-75 days)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.hyperswitch.io/integrations/prism/python/dispute-service/defend.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.