justifiable homicide

British  

noun

1. lawful killing, as in self-defence or to prevent a crime

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Example Sentences

In Jacksonville, police and prosecutors review cases together when investigating whether a killing is a justifiable homicide.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office identifies Fedrick’s case online as a justifiable homicide.

From The Wall Street Journal

In September, nearly two years after the shooting, Las Vegas detectives concluded the shooting was a justifiable homicide.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Justifiable homicide is not a crime, so why is it housed in this publication called ‘Crime in the United States’?”

From Washington Post

“Since a Justifiable Homicide isn’t a crime, there is no felony or misdemeanor offense to report,” Melissa Underwood, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, said in an email.

From Washington Post