When can a person use non-deadly force according to the provided definitions?

The option indicating that a person can use non-deadly force to prevent serious bodily injury to themselves aligns with established legal principles regarding self-defense. In situations where an individual perceives an imminent threat of serious bodily harm, the law often allows for the use of reasonable force to protect oneself. This response is not only justified but necessary to ensure personal safety in a potentially dangerous scenario.

Non-deadly force must be proportional to the threat faced. This means that if the individual believes they are in immediate danger of suffering serious injury, employing non-deadly force to neutralize that threat is permissible. This is a fundamental aspect of self-defense laws, which aim to allow individuals to protect themselves from harm without resorting to lethal measures unless absolutely necessary.

In contrast, using force for purposes such as punishment, stopping a verbal altercation, or showcasing authority does not meet the legal justification for self-defense. These actions do not involve imminent threats of bodily harm, and thus, do not warrant the application of non-deadly force according to the principles of self-defense.