18 Pa. C.S. § 502 : Consolidated Statutes — CRIMES AND OFFENSES — PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS — GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF JUSTIFICATION — Justification a defense TEXT PDF In any prosecution based on conduct which is justifiable under this chapter, justification is a defense. 18 Pa.C.S. § 502 1972, Dec. 6, P.L. 1482, No. 334, § 1, effective 6/6/1973.