When is lethal force considered justified?

Lethal force is considered justified when there is imminent danger to life. This principle is rooted in the concept of self-defense or defense of others, where the individual genuinely believes that their life or the life of another person is in immediate jeopardy. The justification for using lethal force depends on the reasonable perception of imminent threat, where the individual must act to prevent severe injury or death.

In situations involving theft or property damage, the law generally does not permit the use of lethal force. The protection of property does not rise to the level of justification required for the use of deadly force, as this could lead to excessive or unnecessarily violent outcomes. Similarly, being ordered by a superior does not constitute a lawful justification for using lethal force unless it directly correlates with an imminent threat to life. Each case must be evaluated on the specific circumstances surrounding it, but the key factor in justifying lethal force is the existence of an immediate and serious threat.