Which statement about deadly force is correct?

Which statement about deadly force is correct?

• A. Deadly force is any force during an arrest
• B. Deadly force is force used with the purpose of causing or knowing to create a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury
• C. Deadly force requires actual death to occur
• D. Deadly force is force used only against property

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is how deadly force is defined by intent and risk, not by simply using force. The correct statement says deadly force is force used with the purpose of causing or knowing to create a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury. That means two things: there is an intent to cause serious harm, or there is knowledge that the action will create a substantial risk of death or serious harm. The danger is assessed by the risk created, not by whether someone actually dies. This distinguishes deadly force from ordinary arrest techniques or nondeadly force, and from actions aimed at property; deadly force centers on threats to people.

The main idea here is how deadly force is defined by intent and risk, not by simply using force. The correct statement says deadly force is force used with the purpose of causing or knowing to create a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury. That means two things: there is an intent to cause serious harm, or there is knowledge that the action will create a substantial risk of death or serious harm. The danger is assessed by the risk created, not by whether someone actually dies. This distinguishes deadly force from ordinary arrest techniques or nondeadly force, and from actions aimed at property; deadly force centers on threats to people.