Wikipedia
The concept of justifiable homicide in criminal law stands on the dividing line between an excuse, a justification, and an exculpation. In certain circumstances, homicide is justified when it prevents greater harm to innocents. A homicide can only be justified if there is sufficient evidence to prove that it was reasonable to believe that the offending party posed an imminent threat to the life or well-being of another, in self-defense. To rule a justifiable homicide, one must objectively prove to a trier of fact, beyond all reasonable doubt, that the victim intended to commit violence. A homicide in this instance is blameless and distinct from the less stringent criteria authorizing deadly force in stand your ground rulings.
Usage examples of "justifiable homicide".
To me there seems no reason for calling these excusable homicides, and the killing a man in defence of property, a justifiable homicide.
Whereupon the jury - which consisted of respectable tradesmen - produced a verdict of justifiable homicide against the unknown person who had stabbed Constable Culley.
It was considered justifiable homicide to shoot a man who was armed and shooting back.
If I killed Kuo it would be a premeditated act, and if I were caught and put on trial I would have to involve others in my defense, however indirectly, in order to plead justifiable homicide, and the Bureau would be seen suddenly to exist - and in the moment of its existence it would be blown apart.