The technical term is homicide with justification. The answer is going to require a look at the totality of the circumstances i.e. the entire factual situation. The ultimate questions are whether the action that you took was reasonable under the circumstances, and whether you reasonably could had a fear for your life or of serious injury. You should anticipate having consideration given to where you were, why and what type of weapon you had (this may work to your benefit or detriment). Reasonable refers to a reasonable person standard and is not necessarily what you personally think is reasonable, which would be a subjective standard.
Answered on Jan 30th, 2014 at 5:59 AM