Which statement reflects justifiable use of force in self-defense?

The statement that force may be used if one believes it's necessary to defend against imminent unlawful force accurately reflects the principles of self-defense. This concept is grounded in the idea that individuals have the right to protect themselves from harm when facing an immediate and unlawful threat. The key elements here include the necessity of the belief that the threat is imminent and that the force being defended against is unlawful. This right to self-defense is recognized in many legal systems, wherein an individual is allowed to respond proportionally to the threat posed.

In contrast, options presenting conditions such as mandatory retreat or requiring that only deadly force be in play impose overly restrictive conditions on the right to self-defense that vary widely by jurisdiction. Self-defense laws do not universally require retreat before acting in defense if one is in a place where they lawfully may be. Furthermore, the justification for self-defense does not depend on the value of property at risk; instead, it centers on the individual's right to personal safety against imminent unlawful force.