Self Defense

• Individuals may use self defense to protect themselves from bodily harm or death. The force used in self defense must be proportionate to the force used on the individual and only to stop the threat of force.
  
  

Protection of Property

• Under common law, property owners may use deadly force to protect property. Under the Model Penal Code and the majority view, home owners may only use deadly force if they are justified in doing so for self-defense. However, the homeowner may not rig deadly booby traps such as shotguns to protect their homes.
  
  

Police Officers

• Police officers may only use deadly force to protect themselves or others from a person posing a significant risk of death or serious bodily harm.