What is the legal definition of "justifiable homicide" according to the Penal Code?

The legal definition of "justifiable homicide" is closely tied to situations involving self-defense or defense of one's home. Justifiable homicide occurs when an individual kills another person without malice or wrongful intent, under circumstances that are considered legally acceptable. This primarily includes scenarios where a person has a reasonable belief that they or others are in imminent danger of death or serious harm, leading them to take necessary action to protect themselves or others.

In the context of self-defense, the law often permits the use of lethal force if the threat is perceived as immediate and unavoidable. The concept translates similarly to protecting one's home, known as the "castle doctrine," where individuals are justified in using force against an intruder under specific conditions. This legal framework aims to balance the right to life and personal safety with the seriousness of taking another’s life, establishing clear boundaries within which a homicide can be deemed justifiable and not subject to criminal prosecution.