Deadly force and self-defense are among the most challenging areas of Pennsylvania law, requiring more than a basic understanding of fear or imminent harm. The law of justification is highly technical, combining statutory text, judicial rulings, and evidentiary principles that dictate how these cases unfold in practice.

This CLE program introduces attorneys to the essential building blocks of deadly force law. It explains when the use of deadly force is legally recognized, the procedural and substantive rules that must be met, and the analytical framework courts apply when weighing self-defense claims. Participants will also see how the law treats the protection of third parties and how landmark cases have shaped that doctrine.

Equally important, the course addresses the strategic perspectives of both sides of the courtroom: how prosecutors seek to meet their burden and what defendants must establish to assert lawful justification. Finally, the session highlights practical evidentiary tools attorneys can use to demonstrate the reasonableness of force, including the use of deadly force, in real-world cases.

Key Areas of Focus:

• When deadly force is deemed lawful under Pennsylvania law
• The requirements for proving legal justification
• Prosecutorial burdens and strategies
• Defense arguments for establishing self-defense
• Defending others and the influence of case law
• Evidentiary techniques for showing reasonableness