Justifiable

Justifiable is an adjective meaning capable of being justified; defensible or warranted. It describes actions, decisions, or reasons that can be shown to have a valid basis under relevant standards or norms. The term often appears in ethical, legal, and policy discussions, where a choice is evaluated against principles such as legality, proportionality, and necessity.

Etymology and usage context: Justifiable derives from justify plus the suffix able, with roots in Old French justifier and Latin iustificare. In everyday language it signals that there is a defensible rationale, though it does not automatically imply moral perfection or universal agreement. The assessment of justifiability can vary by cultural, legal, or professional context.

Legal and ethical contexts: In law, justifiable numbers of acts appear in phrases like justifiable homicide, which denotes killing permitted under specific circumstances (for example, self-defense or defense of others). In policy and administration, measures may be described as justifiable when they are proportional, evidence-based, transparent, and compliant with applicable rules.

Evaluation and nuance: Determining justifiability involves weighing evidence, consequences, and normative standards. What is justifiable in one situation or jurisdiction may not be in another. Critics may challenge the justification on grounds of fairness, risk, or unintended effects, highlighting that justifiability is often contingent rather than absolute.

Related terms include just, justified, justification, defensible, warranted, and permissible.