Which term refers to force that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury?

• A. Defense of life standard
• B. Noble cause corruption
• C. Ambiguous
• D. Deadly force

Answer: (D)

Deadly force is force that could cause death or serious bodily injury. In policing, this term designates actions with a high likelihood of causing such harm and is justified only when necessary to protect life or prevent serious harm to others in imminent danger. This distinguishes it from nonlethal options. For example, using a firearm against an imminent threat fits deadly force, depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction. The other terms describe different ideas: defense of life standard refers to when force may be used to protect life (a justification standard), noble cause corruption is about misconduct driven by a belief in righteous ends, and ambiguous is not a term used to describe force. So the term that refers to force likely to cause death or serious bodily injury is deadly force.