What would be a reason to justify the immediate use of deadly force?

The justification for the immediate use of deadly force is rooted in the principle of self-defense or defense of others. An imminent threat to life presents a direct danger that requires immediate action to protect oneself or another person from serious harm or death. In scenarios where there is a clear and present danger—such as an assailant brandishing a weapon or attempting to cause serious bodily injury—using deadly force can be seen as a necessary response to prevent loss of life or severe injury.

In contrast, suspicion of theft, theft in progress, or personal confrontations do not typically meet the legal threshold for justifying deadly force. These situations, while potentially serious, do not inherently pose an immediate and life-threatening situation. Legal standards require that any use of deadly force be proportional to the threat faced, and often, there are non-lethal alternatives available in these scenarios to address the situation without resorting to such extreme measures.