What defines "reasonable force"?

Reasonable force is defined as force that is deemed appropriate and necessary to achieve a specific objective, particularly in law enforcement or security contexts. This principle ensures that the level of force used is proportional to the situation at hand. For instance, when law enforcement officers are confronted with a non-compliant individual, their response must be measured against the immediate threat posed by that individual, the context of the encounter, and the need to safely manage the situation.

This definition emphasizes that the use of force should not exceed what is necessary to carry out a lawful act, such as making an arrest or preventing harm. Therefore, the application of reasonable force is guided by considerations of legality, the protection of individuals involved (including the individual being subdued), and public safety.

In contrast, the other definitions do not align with the established legal and ethical standards. For example, excessive force (A) undermines the concept of reasonable force by suggesting a level of force that's inappropriate. Physical harm (C) does not inherently define reasonable force, as even legally justified force should aim to minimize harm. Finally, restricting the use of force to only emergencies (D) does not account for situations in which reasonable force may be necessary outside of an emergency context, such as routine law enforcement