Use of Force and Self-Defense
What this domain tests
This domain tests whether you can apply Louisiana’s justification statutes to real encounters: when force is lawful, how much is reasonable, and when deadly force is prohibited. The exam focuses on necessity, proportionality, and the difference between defending people and defending property.
Core rules
- La. R.S. 14:18–14:22 provide justification defenses. Force must be reasonable and necessary under the circumstances; it may not be used to punish, retaliate, or coerce.
- R.S. 14:19 permits force to defend oneself or another against unlawful force. Deadly force is justified only when the officer reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or another, or to prevent a forcible felony.
- Louisiana does not require retreat if you are lawfully present, but a security officer should still use containment, cover, and warning where feasible.
- R.S. 14:21 limits defense of property. Reasonable non-deadly force may be used to prevent trespass or unlawful taking, but deadly force is not justified merely to protect property.
- Force must stop when the threat ends. Handcuffing, prone restraint, and chokeholds require careful monitoring for positional asphyxia.
Worked example
A drunk patron curses a guard and swings a fist. The guard steps back, blocks, and with a co-worker’s help controls the patron’s arms and handcuffs him. That is reasonable defensive force and detention. If the patron later produces a knife and advances within striking distance, the guard may use deadly force only if he reasonably believes imminent death or great bodily harm is about to occur. Once the knife is dropped and the patron is controlled, further force is unlawful.
Traps
Striking someone for insults; continuing force after the threat stops; using deadly force to stop a shoplifter; and failing to articulate the specific facts that made force necessary.