When is deadly force justified under self-defense?

• A. Deadly force is never justified unless the person uses or threatens death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping, or forced intercourse
• B. Deadly force is justified in any confrontation to prevent escape
• C. Deadly force is justified when the suspect is unarmed
• D. Deadly force is allowed to protect property

Answer: (A)

Self-defense permits deadly force only when there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. That idea is captured by the statement that deadly force isn’t justified unless the person is facing or threatening death, serious injury, or related grave crimes like kidnapping or forced intercourse. It’s not about stopping an escape, protecting property, or acting because someone is unarmed—the threat wouldn’t be immediately life-threatening in those cases. The key factors are immediacy and the severity of the threat, with the force used being proportional and necessary to prevent the imminent harm.