If this case took place in Georgia, which statute authorizes deadly force in this incident?

• A. 16-3-21
• B. 17-4-20(b)
• C. 16-3-21, 17-4-20(b)
• D. 15-2-3

Answer: (B)

In Georgia, deadly force is justified only under statutes that spell out the exact circumstances. The direct authority for a private person to use deadly force in defense of self or others in an imminent threat is 17-4-20(b). This provision explicitly allows deadly force to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm, or to stop the commission of a forcible felony. The scenario described fits those conditions, so this statute is the correct basis for authorizing deadly force. General self-defense provisions in 16-3-21 cover defense of self or others with reasonable and proportional force and may permit deadly force in limited cases, but for this specific situation the explicit authorization comes from 17-4-20(b).