Quote:
Originally Posted by Urwen
Self-defense is still technically murder, despite being excusable.
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I hate to be the guy who says, "Ackshually...." but I'm going to be him. My apologies.
Actually, self-defense isn't technically murder. It's a homicide
Homicide is simply a killing of one person by another. There is no implication of guilt or innocence applied to it, as people may be found innocent, such as in a lawful case of self-defense, or justifiable homicide.
Murder (and Manslaughter) are considered unlawful homicides. Murder must contain what's known as
mens rea (Latin: "guilty mind"), also called "malice aforethought," which is the intention or knowledge of wrongdoing.
The killing of one person (or elf) by another in war, under the circumstances described by Tolkien vis-a-vis Maeglin, doesn't constitute murder and was a clear case of (lawful) self-defense.