Under Ohio's "Stand Your Ground" law, what must an individual believe to justify the use of force?

Under Ohio's "Stand Your Ground" law, an individual must believe that they are facing an imminent threat of bodily injury or death to justify the use of force. This law essentially allows individuals to defend themselves without the obligation to retreat if they perceive a genuine threat to their safety. The phrase "imminent threat" is crucial, as it underscores the necessity for a reasonable belief that immediate harm is on the way, justifying a defensive action.

In this context, the law acknowledges that individuals should have the right to protect themselves in situations where they honestly believe their safety is at risk. The threshold for using force is based on the person's perception of danger rather than any external requirement, such as de-escalation or consensus among witnesses. Thus, feeling an actual, imminent threat is central to the justification for the use of force under this statute, which is why this belief is the correct answer.