Homicide

Question 1

When does a private person have the right to use deadly force to effectuate an arrest? (two situations)

Answer 1

(1) When a felon appears to pose a threat to the private citizen or to others and deadly force is necessary to prevent his escape, as long as the felon was actually guilty of the felony; or (2) to prevent the completion of a crime being committed if the crime is a “dangerous felony” involving risk to human life.