&gt; Is there really a situation in which the punishment for killing is lighter than for wounding, especially with a weapon&#x2F;vehicle?<p>Yes.<p>If someone breaks into your home, in most states self defense would be a slam-dunk defense against a murder charge. Even if acquited of murder, the burglar&#x27;s family can sue you for wrongful death - the evidentiary bar for wrongful death is much lower than for murder.<p>It&#x27;s entirely possible to be acquited of murder, but convicted in civil court and ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to a burglar&#x27;s family.<p>Not to mention the fact that in a criminal trial, if the guy is dead he doesn&#x27;t testify against you.<p>&quot;Dead men don&#x27;t sue&quot; is a thing.