What is Deadly Force?

• A. Any force creating substantial risk of death
• B. Force not objectively reasonable given circumstances
• C. A verbal warning
• D. A lawful use of force

Answer: (A)

Deadly force is defined by the level of risk it poses to life—it's force that is capable of causing death or serious bodily harm. This makes it the highest category of force that can be used, reserved for imminent threats to life or grave injury where there are no viable, lesser options. The statement that describes force creating a substantial risk of death aligns with that threshold, capturing the essential idea that deadly force is about the potential to cause fatal harm, not merely about legality or intent. The other options refer to general or non-lethal aspects (verbal warnings, reasonable use of force, or legality) and do not specify the specific level of risk that defines deadly force.