What must be true to justify the use of deadly force?

To justify the use of deadly force, it is essential that there exists a reasonable belief that such force is necessary to protect oneself or others from imminent harm. This means that the person perceiving the threat must genuinely believe that their life or the lives of others are in danger and that the use of deadly force is the only viable option to mitigate that threat.

This principle underscores the importance of context and perception in self-defense situations. The belief must be based on the situation at hand, taking into consideration the immediacy and severity of the threat. It requires a thorough understanding of the circumstances that lead to the use of force, ensuring that individuals act in a way that aligns with reasonable expectations of safety and defense against serious bodily harm or death.

The other options do not align with the criteria needed to justify deadly force. For instance, a situation being non-lethal contradicts the very basis of why deadly force would be considered; if a threat does not pose imminent danger to life, deadly force would not be warranted. Similarly, the expectation that all other options must be exhausted first or that only a minor threat can be present does not align with the legal and ethical standards governing the use of deadly force, which focus on imminent and serious threats.