What does chapter 776, F.S. govern?

Chapter 776 of the Florida Statutes primarily addresses the concept of justifiable use of force, which encompasses the use of force by individuals, including criminal justice officers. This chapter outlines the circumstances under which an individual may legally use force in self-defense or defense of others, as well as the use of deadly force. It provides legal guidelines for law enforcement officers regarding when they are justified in applying force in the performance of their duties, protecting themselves, or others from imminent harm. The specificity of this chapter to law enforcement use of force distinguishes it from other matters such as firearms use by civilians, officer training, or ammunition sales, which are covered under different legal frameworks. The focus on justifiable use in various scenarios makes it central to understanding the legal parameters that govern the actions of criminal justice officers in Florida.