What is the Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) section number for deadly force?

What is the Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) section number for deadly force?

• A. 39-11-610
• B. 39-11-620
• C. 39-11-600
• D. 39-11-625

Answer: (B)

Deadly force in Tennessee is governed by a statute that sets the exact conditions under which such force is justified in defense of yourself or others. The rule is that deadly force may be used when the person reasonably believes that it is immediately necessary to prevent death or serious bodily harm. This frames the boundary between lawful self-defense and unlawful harm, focusing on immediacy, necessity, and proportionality of the response. The section that directly codifies this deadly-force standard is 39-11-620. That number is the specific guidance for when deadly force can be used in defense of a person. Other sections in the same chapter cover different aspects—like non-deadly force, definitions, or defense of property—but they do not set the rule for deadly force in defense of a person, which is why this is the correct reference.

Deadly force in Tennessee is governed by a statute that sets the exact conditions under which such force is justified in defense of yourself or others. The rule is that deadly force may be used when the person reasonably believes that it is immediately necessary to prevent death or serious bodily harm. This frames the boundary between lawful self-defense and unlawful harm, focusing on immediacy, necessity, and proportionality of the response.

The section that directly codifies this deadly-force standard is 39-11-620. That number is the specific guidance for when deadly force can be used in defense of a person. Other sections in the same chapter cover different aspects—like non-deadly force, definitions, or defense of property—but they do not set the rule for deadly force in defense of a person, which is why this is the correct reference.