Reasonable force is the appropriate amount of force to protect oneself, others, or property from harm, determined by a reasonable and objective observer. It can include lethal force and is used as a defense in court. It varies across jurisdictions and is a major concern for law enforcement. Police are trained to use minimal force based on situational factors, but excessive force can lead to social unrest.
Reasonable force, also known as legal force, is the appropriate amount of force necessary for a person to protect themselves, another person, or their property from harm. The appropriate force should not exceed the amount of force needed in a given situation as determined by a reasonable and objective observer. Reasonable force, up to and including lethal force, may be used as a defense in court.
Usually a legal term used in court cases where someone has been injured or killed as a result of force, reasonable force has different definitions across jurisdictions, states, and countries. It is generally accepted in the United States to include death or serious bodily harm if the person feels they must take action to prevent a criminal assault or to protect their life. Reasonable force can be used to prevent a perpetrator from entering your home if he believes the intruder has criminal intent.
A person must use his or her best judgment in determining the amount of force required for protection. More force is tolerated when someone is protecting human life over physical property, although a person may be charged with excessive force if his or her response is more extreme than the perceived danger. Force can only be used at the time of the crime, and people cannot retaliate after the event. When the possibility of harm is imminent, it can be difficult to focus on the appropriate amount of force. Courts may take this into account when trying someone who is accused of excessive force.
Reasonable force is a major law enforcement concern. Police are trained to use their best judgment in determining the amount of force required to stop or apprehend a suspect. Law enforcement officers are encouraged to use minimal force as appropriate based on situational factors such as imminent danger and the amount of resistance from the suspect.
Officers have many levels of strength they can use. Generally, they will ask a perpetrator to comply, then tell a suspect what to do during an arrest. If verbal commands don’t work, they may be forced to detain the perpetrator of a crime. Many police officers carry an electronic control device to deliver a non-lethal shock that incapacitates an uncooperative and dangerous suspect. Only in extreme cases are firearms drawn.
The use of force among police officers has attracted much media attention in the United States. In some cases, courts favor police officers, saying they exercised good decision-making during tense situations and used reasonable force to incapacitate or arrest a suspect. Cases of excessive force are sometimes a source of social unrest when they are the subject of media attention, as civilians become enraged when a member of their community has been attacked, injured or killed by a police officer.
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