When is deadly force authorized?

The authorization of deadly force is generally based on the principle of self-defense and the necessity to protect oneself or others from imminent life-threatening harm. This means that deadly force is deemed permissible only under conditions of extreme necessity, where there is no other viable option to prevent serious injury or loss of life.

In situations where an individual faces an immediate and overwhelming threat, the use of deadly force may be justified as a last resort to neutralize the danger. This aligns with established military and law enforcement guidelines, which emphasize that deadly force should only be used when all other alternatives to protect oneself or others have been exhausted or are not feasible.

The other options reflect misunderstandings of when deadly force might be appropriate. Commanding authority alone does not constitute a legitimate reason for employing deadly force unless the situation meets the stringent criteria set forth for extreme necessity. Training purposes are not a valid reason for actual use of deadly force, as drills and simulations aim to prepare individuals without endangering lives. The idea that deadly force could be authorized in all situations involving a threat is overly broad and does not adequately consider the significant ethical and legal standards governing such critical decisions.