I recently discussed several important things to do and to consider in the aftermath of a self-defense shooting. Today we’ll discuss three important factors that help determine whether or not a shooting is justified, including the ability factor, the opportunity factor, and the jeopardy factor.

Using lethal force for self-defense is only justified in situations of immediate danger of death or great bodily harm to oneself or other innocent persons. Often times a court of law will determine if a self-defense shooting is justified based on whether the person you’re defending yourself from...