Food for thought

In Macbeth's case, no--he just wanted to hurry to the throne.

In the case of a tyrant, if taking him out is the only option, it might be justified.

But to kill someone because you want his job or you are afraid s/he is going to take yours is pure cowardice.

There is more than one political assassination in the play. Justification, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Macbeth, as king, could doubtless justify the murder of Banquo in order to better secure a succession, just as Henry VIII does when he executes (murders) Boleyn. Could we, as C21st observers justify such actions? Well, perhaps - if we live in Zimbabwe and are presidential supporters!