When the guy runs away, the officer is no longer defending himself. He is acting as an agent of society. I'm sure there are circumstances in which a citizen could make an argument that the attacker posed such an obvious threat to others that deadly force was required. I wouldn't want to sit in the witness chair and make that argument. Even if it was true, that means a lot of people got maimed or dead before it got to that point.
We would concur on that. In "theory", an agent of the state should have a higher burden in such an instance than a citizen. The problem is, these days, unless an illegal is involved, cops have little or no consequences to their actions.
I'm sure there are circumstances in which a citizen could make an argument that the attacker posed such an obvious threat to others that deadly force was required. I wouldn't want to sit in the witness chair and make that argument.
Depends upon the place or circumstances. In Texas, when on your own property, you have a lot of leeway if it is after dusk or before dawn.
Even if it was true, that means a lot of people got maimed or dead before it got to that point.
Not sure what you meant by this.