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Simple English definitions for legal terms
justifiable homicide
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A quick definition of justifiable homicide:
Justifiable homicide is when someone takes another person's life, but it is considered legal and not a crime. This can happen in situations where the person acted in self-defense and had a reasonable fear of being killed or seriously hurt. It can also happen when the law permits the killing, such as in an execution for a serious crime. Justifiable homicide is different from when someone kills in the heat of the moment or because they were not thinking clearly, which may be seen as less serious.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Justifiable homicide is the act of taking a human life under certain circumstances that are considered justified or lawful. This can include self-defense or other causes set out in statute.
For example, in Virginia, a justifiable homicide in self-defense occurs when a person kills another without any fault on their part in provoking or bringing on the difficulty, and under reasonable apprehension of death or great bodily harm to themselves.
Another example of justifiable homicide is an execution for a capital crime, which is permitted by law. In these cases, the person who takes the life is absolved of any criminal liability.
It's important to note that justifiable homicides are not the same as homicides committed under the heat of passion or with diminished capacity. These may be considered mitigating circumstances that reduce the actor's culpability with regards to a killing.
Overall, justifiable homicide is a legal concept that allows for the taking of a human life under certain circumstances that are considered justified or lawful.