Under what circumstance can deadly force be used according to the law?

Deadly force can be lawfully used when an individual is faced with a serious threat of bodily injury or death. This principle is rooted in the justification of self-defense, which allows a person to protect themselves if they reasonably believe they are in imminent danger of losing their life or sustaining serious injury. The law recognizes that the use of deadly force is a last resort and must be proportional to the threat faced.

In the context of the choices provided, only the option relating to protecting against serious bodily injury or a deadly threat aligns with legal standards governing the use of lethal force. The justification hinges on the necessity to avert an immediate and severe risk to one’s own safety or that of another person.

Other scenarios, such as protecting property against theft or retaliating for non-lethal threats, do not meet the legal threshold that justifies the use of deadly force. Furthermore, confrontations with police typically involve different legal considerations and protocols, emphasizing de-escalation, compliance, and restraint rather than lethal responses. Therefore, the correct application of the law regarding the use of deadly force highlights the critical requirement of an immediate threat to physical safety.