Deadly force

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Self Help Group

Deadly force refers to the use of force that is likely to cause death or serious bodily harm. It is a critical concept in law enforcement, military, and self-defense contexts. The application of deadly force is governed by strict legal and ethical guidelines to ensure it is used appropriately and only when absolutely necessary.

Definition

Deadly force is defined as force that a person uses with the intent to cause, or which a person knows or should know would create a substantial risk of causing, death or serious bodily harm. This can include the use of firearms, knives, or other weapons, as well as certain physical maneuvers.

Legal Framework

The use of deadly force is regulated by various laws and policies, which can vary significantly by jurisdiction. In the United States, for example, the Supreme Court has established guidelines through landmark cases such as Tennessee v. Garner and Graham v. Connor. These cases set the standards for when law enforcement officers can use deadly force.

Tennessee v. Garner

In Tennessee v. Garner, the Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement officers may not use deadly force to prevent the escape of a fleeing suspect unless the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others.

Graham v. Connor

In Graham v. Connor, the Supreme Court established the "objective reasonableness" standard for evaluating the use of force by law enforcement officers. This standard considers whether the officer's actions are objectively reasonable in light of the facts and circumstances confronting them, without regard to their underlying intent or motivation.

Use in Law Enforcement

Law enforcement officers are trained to use deadly force only as a last resort. The use of deadly force is typically justified in situations where the officer or another person is facing an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. Officers are also trained in de-escalation techniques and less-lethal options to resolve situations without resorting to deadly force.

Use in Self-Defense

In many jurisdictions, individuals are permitted to use deadly force in self-defense if they reasonably believe that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm to themselves or others. The specifics of self-defense laws can vary, with some jurisdictions requiring a duty to retreat before using deadly force, while others follow the stand-your-ground principle.

Military Use

The use of deadly force in the military is governed by the rules of engagement (ROE), which are directives that define the circumstances and limitations under which forces will initiate and/or continue combat engagement. These rules are designed to ensure compliance with international law, including the Geneva Conventions.

Ethical Considerations

The use of deadly force raises significant ethical questions, particularly regarding the value of human life and the circumstances under which it is justified to take a life. Ethical guidelines and training are essential components of law enforcement and military protocols to ensure that deadly force is used responsibly and only when absolutely necessary.

See Also

• Use of force
• Excessive force
• Police brutality
• Self-defense
• Rules of engagement
• Stand-your-ground law