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.