Using deadly force to protect one's property is a complex legal issue that varies significantly by jurisdiction, including under California law. The correct understanding is that an individual cannot use deadly force solely to protect property; such use of force is generally considered excessive unless certain conditions are met.
In California, the use of deadly force is permissible in self-defense or the defense of others when there is an imminent threat to life or serious bodily harm. However, the law does not allow for the use of deadly force merely for the sake of protecting property. The principle is that human life is valued above property, and the law prefers that individuals avoid confrontation and protect their property through non-lethal means whenever possible.
For instance, if someone were to confront a burglar, the homeowner cannot automatically resort to deadly force simply because their property is being threatened. Instead, they must demonstrate that they are in imminent danger of severe harm to themselves or others to justify a lethal response. This is why the belief that deadly force is entirely forbidden for the purpose of protecting property aligns with the legal standards pertaining to self-defense laws.