The defense which recognizes that some behaviors may be justified because a greater harm is prevented is:

defense of necessity

Explanation:

The description in the question refers to a defense of necessity. This is a court defense that applies when an individual commits a criminal act (usually during an emergency situation), but is done so in order to prevent a greater harm from occurring. Therefore, in these situations, the legal system tends to excuse the individual's criminal action because it is considered justified.

answer; proximity;