Final answer:
Deadly force is justifiable force likely to cause death or serious harm, used in protection of life, whereas excessive force is unreasonable and exceeds the necessary level of response. Option A correctly differentiates the two, aligning with principles that endorse force for defense and retaliation but not for coercion or aggression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differentiating between deadly force and excessive force involves understanding their definitions and applications. Deadly force is the use of force that has a high probability of causing death or serious bodily harm and is typically justified only in circumstances where a person believes it is necessary to protect life from an immediate threat. On the other hand, excessive force refers to the application of force that goes beyond what is reasonably needed to handle a situation, often assessed in hindsight, and is not justifiable as it exceeds the necessary level of force required in self-defense or to subdue a subject.
The correct differentiation is: A) Deadly force is the use of force that is necessary to protect life, while excessive force goes beyond what is reasonable. This aligns with libertarian principles which consider force acceptable when it serves to defend against or retaliate against those who initiate force and infringe upon an individual's rights. However, force is frowned upon when used coercively or aggressively without justification.