Nevada Concealed Firearm Permit (CFP) Practice Exam

In Nevada, which of the following qualifies as justifiable use of deadly force in self-defense?

1. To protect personal property

2. When fearing imminent serious harm

3. To detain a suspected thief

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: When fearing imminent serious harm

The correct answer focuses on the principle that justifiable use of deadly force in self-defense is generally contingent upon the immediate threat to personal safety. In Nevada, as in most jurisdictions, the law recognizes that the use of deadly force is warranted when an individual reasonably fears imminent serious harm. This means that if a person is faced with a situation where they believe they are in immediate danger of suffering serious bodily injury or even death, they are justified in using deadly force to protect themselves. In contrast, other scenarios do not meet the legal threshold for justifiable deadly force. For example, protecting personal property does not typically justify the use of deadly force unless there is a concurrent threat to life or serious injury. Similarly, attempting to detain a suspected thief does not automatically qualify as a justifiable reason to use deadly force unless there is an imminent threat involved. These distinctions are critical in understanding when the law allows for such actions.