Possible Clues:

• Columbo heard a lot of them
• Cover stories? (4-6 + ...)
• "Where were you on the night of" stories
• Defendants' spouses, sometimes
• Not this present for pleas
• Proofs accused was elsewhere at time of crime
• ''The dog ate my homework'' and the like
• A learner, one getting second grade, is offering excuses
• Defences of being elsewhere at the time of a crime
• Stories told in court