FORCE
Power, violence, compulsion, or constraint exerted
upon or against a person or thing. Power dynam-
ically considered, that is, in motion or in action;
constraining power, compulsion; strength directed
to an end. Commonly the word occurs in such con-
nections as to show that unlawful or wrongful
action is meant, e.g., forcible entry.
Power statically considered, that is, at rest, or
latent, but capable of being called into activity
upon occasion for its exercise. Efficacy; legal valid-
ity. This is the meaning when we say that a statute
or a contract is in force.
Reasonable force is that degree of force that is
appropriate and not inordinate in defending
one’s person or property. A person who employs
such force is justified in doing so and is neither
criminally liable nor civilly liable in TORT for the
conduct.
DEADLY FORCE is utilized when a person
intends to cause death or serious bodily harm or
when he or she recognizes personal involvement
in the creation of a substantial risk that death or
