When is it permissible to use force, but not deadly force, against another person?

Using force, but not deadly force, against another person is permissible in specific scenarios where intervention is necessary to prevent harm. The correct answer relates to the urgent situation of defending against an immediate suicide attempt. In this context, the application of non-deadly force can be justified to stop an individual from inflicting harm upon themselves, as the primary goal is to protect life and prevent immediate danger. The action taken is not retaliatory or punitive but rather a necessary intervention aimed at preserving the individual’s well-being.

In contrast, preventing theft typically involves calling for law enforcement rather than using physical force, especially as theft does not pose an immediate threat to life. Engaging in a physical altercation does not justify an appropriate use of force, as it implies mutual combat rather than protective or defensive action. Retaliating for a past offense is never justified and is viewed as retribution, which is not acceptable under most legal standards governing the use of force. Thus, the scenario involving an immediate suicide attempt aligns with the ethical and legal standards surrounding non-deadly force, making it the correct response.