Which situation permits anyone to use deadly physical force to prevent a crime?

In the context of self-defense or defense of others, the use of deadly physical force is generally justified when there is an imminent threat to life or serious bodily harm. The scenario that permits anyone to use such force to prevent a crime is murder, as it represents the gravest level of threat not only to a life but also to public safety.

When an individual is confronted with the immediate and unlawful act of murder, they may respond with deadly force in order to protect themselves or others from being killed or suffering serious injury. Legal systems recognize that the preservation of life takes precedence, which is why the prevention of murder can legally authorize the use of deadly force without other options being viable or reasonable.

In contrast, the other situations—like theft, trespassing, and shoplifting—do not typically involve an immediate threat to life or serious injury, which are essential factors in justifying the use of deadly physical force. These crimes, while illegal, do not pose the same level of danger as murder, thus limiting the legal justification for using lethal force in those circumstances.