In the deadly force triangle, which term defines the ability or means to inflict death or serious bodily harm?

• A. Intent
• B. Opportunity
• C. Capability
• D. Proximity

Answer: (C)

Capability is the term that defines the ability or means to inflict death or serious bodily harm. In the deadly force triangle, capability means having the tools, training, and physical capacity to cause harm—such as a weapon, combat skills, or enough strength to overpower a threat. Without capability, intent and opportunity alone don’t make deadly force justifiable because there isn’t the actual means to harm.

Intent is the will to cause harm, the mental readiness to act violently. Opportunity refers to being in a position and the right moment to act. Proximity isn’t the formal term in the triangle; being close to someone doesn’t by itself provide the means to hurt them, and you can have proximity without the means, or the means without the immediate chance to use them.

So, capability best fits the description of the ability or means to inflict death or serious harm.