How is force justified against another person?

Force is justified against another person primarily when an individual has a reasonable belief that unlawful action is occurring. This reasoning is based on the principle of self-defense or defense of others, which typically allows a person to respond to imminent threats with appropriate force. The key aspect here is the individual's assessment of the situation; if they genuinely and reasonably believe that they or someone else is in immediate danger due to unlawful actions, they may take necessary measures to protect themselves or others.

In legal terms, the justification for using force often hinges on the notion of reasonableness—whether a typical person in the same situation would perceive a threat and react similarly. This standard emphasizes the importance of context and the mental state of the individual at the time the force is used.

Other options do not carry the same weight of justification. Misunderstanding the situation can lead to mistaken actions that may not meet the legal threshold for justified force. Similarly, being verbally aggressive does not necessarily imply an immediate physical threat that warrants a forceful response. Displaying authority might influence a situation, but it does not inherently justify the use of force against an individual unless the authority is exercised lawfully in connection with a legitimate reason to do so.