What can justify the use of deadly force under the law?

The justification for the use of deadly force under the law is grounded in the principle of self-defense, which allows an individual to protect themselves from an imminent threat to life or severe bodily injury. When a person has a reasonable belief that their life is in danger, the law acknowledges their right to respond with deadly force, as the primary goal is to ensure personal safety in situations where no other options are available.

This justification typically requires that the belief in the threat to life is both honest and reasonable, meaning that a person must perceive a genuine danger of being killed or seriously harmed by another individual. This is the foundational essence of self-defense laws in many jurisdictions, including Pennsylvania.

In contrast, while the fear of theft and the unlawful presence of another person may indeed create apprehension, they do not inherently justify lethal force unless they escalate to a credible threat against life. Additionally, stating that any threat justifies lethal force would undermine the principle of reasonable response, which dictates that the level of force used must be proportional to the threat faced.