Which item is NOT a deadly force determining factor?

• A. Intent
• B. Means
• C. Ability
• D. Imminent Danger

Answer: (D)

When deciding whether deadly force is justified, focus on three core elements about the suspect: intent to cause harm, the means to cause harm, and the ability to carry out that harm. Imminence isn’t treated as a separate determinant in this framework; the immediacy of the threat is understood through how those three factors line up in the moment. So, Imminent Danger is not a standalone deadly-force determining factor. If someone has a weapon and clearly intends to use it and can do so now, deadly force may be justified because the danger is immediate; without intent or the ability, merely perceiving danger does not by itself justify deadly force.