When is deadly force authorized?

Deadly force is considered authorized when it is perceived, based on the circumstances, that a reasonable person would believe that the use of such force is necessary for protection against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. This standard emphasizes the importance of the "reasonable person" perspective, which takes into account not only the subjective fear of the individual involved but also how a typical person in their situation would evaluate the threat level.

In the context of law enforcement, this decision must be made swiftly and under high-stress conditions, often when an officer confronts a situation where their life or the lives of others are at significant risk. The principle behind this authorization hinges on the idea that the use of deadly force should be a last resort and only employed when absolutely necessary to protect oneself or others from immediate danger.

Circumstances such as being under attack or responding to specific crimes like an armed robbery could potentially justify the use of deadly force, but they must fall within the context of the reasonable belief of an imminent threat to life or bodily integrity. Therefore, a broad understanding of when deadly force is appropriate is crucial for officers to act within legal and ethical boundaries.