Final answer:
Deadly force refers to the use of force that is likely to cause serious bodily harm or death. The preconditions for the use of deadly force include imminent threat, intent, opportunity, legal justification, verbal warnings, avoiding confrontation, proportional response, and retreat.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deadly force refers to the use of force that is likely to cause serious bodily harm or death. The preconditions for the use of deadly force vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances, but generally include:
- Imminent threat: There must be an immediate danger of serious bodily harm or death.
- Intent: The person using deadly force must have the intent to cause harm or believe that such harm is necessary to protect themselves or others.
- Opportunity: The person using deadly force must have the opportunity to carry out the act.
- Legal justification: The use of deadly force must be legally justified, such as in self-defense or defense of others.
- Verbal warnings: In some cases, the person using deadly force may be required to give verbal warnings before taking action.
- Avoiding confrontation: The person using deadly force should have exhausted all reasonable alternatives to avoid the use of force.
- Proportional response: The level of force used must be proportionate to the threat faced.
- Retreat: In some cases, the person using deadly force may be required to retreat if it is safe to do so.
An example of the application of these preconditions can be seen in cases of police shootings, such as the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO. These preconditions help to ensure that the use of deadly force is justifiable and done as a last resort.