What term describes force likely or intended to cause death or great bodily harm?

• A. Reasonable Force
• B. Deadly Force
• C. Excessive Force
• D. Standard Force

Answer: (B)

Deadly force is force likely or intended to cause death or great bodily harm. This level of force is the highest in the force continuum and is only justified when there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury that cannot be avoided by any other means. It differs from reasonable force, which is the amount of force necessary to prevent harm without risking death or serious injury, and from excessive force, which is force beyond what is reasonable for the threat faced. The term captures the specific potential consequence of the action, whereas other terms describe less dangerous responses or improper use of force. For example, responding with deadly force would be considered appropriate only if an attacker genuinely presents an immediate threat to life or a serious threat to bodily integrity.