What is prohibited regarding the use of deadly force?

Using deadly force solely to protect property is prohibited because the justification for the use of such force typically hinges on the risk of harm to human life or the potential for serious injury. In most legal and ethical frameworks, the use of deadly force is intended to prevent imminent threats to life, such as defending oneself or others from serious bodily harm or death.

When dealing with property, the law recognizes that while property is valuable, it does not hold the same gravity as human life. The use of deadly force in defense of property could lead to unnecessary loss of life and is viewed as disproportionate to the situation, especially when less lethal means of protection are often available.

In contrast, using deadly force to prevent a life-threatening assault or when imminent harm is suspected aligns with legal and ethical standards that recognize the necessity of force in self-defense situations. Similarly, preventing escape from a lawful order may justify the use of force under specific circumstances, especially if it is believed that the escapee poses a threat.