What is the difference between self-defense and justifiable homicide?

Self-defense and justifiable homicide are terms used to differentiate different types of criminal acts in West Virginia. Self-defense is a criminal defense in which someone uses force to protect themselves or another from physical harm, such as an attack. It is generally justified when there is a reasonable belief of imminent danger. Justifiable homicide, on the other hand, is defined as a killing that is legally allowed because it is deemed necessary to protect oneself or another from harm. It is often used in cases of self-defense, but the difference is that the threat of harm must be imminent and the use of lethal force has to be the only way to protect the person. Additionally, while self-defense is often a defense against a crime, justifiable homicide is not a defense against committing a crime. In this way, justifiable homicide can be seen as a way of avoiding criminal responsibility for a killing.

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What is the difference between self-defense and justifiable homicide?

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