Under what circumstances can deadly force be justified?

Deadly force can be justified primarily in situations involving self-defense or the defense of another person. This is based on the principle that an individual has the right to protect themselves or others from an imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death. The use of deadly force in these situations is considered necessary when there is a reasonable belief that the threat is real, immediate, and unavoidable.

For example, if someone attacks you with a weapon, using deadly force may be justified to protect your own life or the life of someone else who is in danger. The key factors in justifying deadly force include the immediacy of the threat and the proportionality of the response — meaning that the level of force used must be appropriate to the level of threat posed.

In contrast, using deadly force to enforce minor traffic laws, to detain a possible shoplifter, or for making an arrest for a petty offense lacks justification. These scenarios typically do not involve an immediate threat to life, making the use of deadly force inappropriate and unlawful.