Under which circumstance can deadly force be justified for individual self-defense?

The justification for using deadly force in individual self-defense centers on the concept of an imminent threat. This means that the person perceives a clear and immediate danger to their life or serious bodily harm. The standard requires that the individual has a reasonable belief that the threat is imminent and that there are no viable alternatives to eliminate that threat. The emphasis on the immediacy of the threat is crucial; if a threat is looming but not immediate, the use of deadly force may not be justified.

In the context of self-defense, another person’s ability to cause serious harm or threaten life should be evident and pressing at the moment of the decision to use lethal force. Backup arriving or the presence of a weapon can potentially change the dynamics of a situation; however, they do not inherently justify a preemptive use of deadly force unless they contribute to the perception of imminent danger. The response to an elevated situation or the mere presence of a weapon must still evaluate whether an immediate threat exists.