ABSTRACT
Killing another human being is morally and legally wrong. But, depending on the situation or circumstances, the killing of a human may not always be wrong and can be justied as excusable. Homicide is generally dened as the wrongful killing of a human. e key word here is wrongful. It usually is accompanied by other words such as “malice aforethought,” “lying in wait,” or “premeditated”; the perpetrator will be prosecuted and face a possible death penalty or a life of imprisonment. However, absent the key words and intent, the circumstances may dictate that the killing may be excused as “reasonable and necessary,” for instance, to save the life of oneself or others. In other words, killing another in self-defense is justied and is not a crime; it is excusable and the killer will not be prosecuted.
