Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Safety Course Practice Exam

When is it acceptable for a CPL holder to use deadly force?

1. To protect personal property

2. To prevent a felony

3. In self-defense when facing an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm

4. To stop a suspect fleeing from a crime scene

The correct answer is: In self-defense when facing an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm

Deadly force, or any use of force that can result in serious bodily harm or death, should only be used as a last resort in order to protect oneself or others. Option A, to protect personal property, is not sufficient reason to use deadly force as it does not constitute as an immediate threat to someone's life. Option B, to prevent a felony, may also not be enough reason to use deadly force as the situation may not pose an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm. Option D, to stop a suspect fleeing from a crime scene, is also not an acceptable reason to use deadly force as the individual may not pose a direct threat to anyone's life in that moment. The only situation where it is acceptable for a CPL holder to use deadly force is in self-defense when faced with an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm. This is only permitted as a last resort when all other methods of safety have been exhausted. It is important to understand and follow the laws and restrictions surrounding the use of deadly force.