Which statement best describes the definition of deadly force?

• A. The intentional use of a firearm or other instrument, the use of which would result in a high probability of death or great bodily harm
• B. The use of nonlethal force to restrain
• C. The use of force that would not cause harm
• D. The minimum force necessary to restrain

Answer: (A)

Deadly force means using a weapon or instrument in a way that is intended to cause death or great bodily harm, or in the circumstances would create a high probability of death or serious injury. The statement fits this definition because it specifies an intentional use of a firearm or another instrument that would likely result in death or grave harm. It emphasizes both intent and the high-risk outcome, which are the essential elements of deadly force.

The other ideas describe nondeadly or less-than-lethal actions (restraining without harm, or force that wouldn’t cause harm, or the minimum force needed to restrain). Those do not meet the threshold of deadly force, which centers on the likelihood of causing death or serious injury and the intent to use a weapon or means capable of producing that outcome.