Lesson 18: Respond proportionally to unarmed threats.

The law requires that the level of force you use is proportional to the threat you face. If someone attacks without a deadly weapon, using your firearm may be seen as excessive—even if you genuinely felt endangered. Disengaging or using less-lethal options, like pepper spray, can be tactically effective and carry significantly less legal jeopardy than a firearm. Reserve deadly force for deadly threats.