Which of the following locations, when struck with a baton, can result in serious injury or death?

Striking the temple with a baton carries a significantly higher risk of serious injury or death due to the anatomical vulnerabilities of this area. The temple is a thin region of bone that covers important blood vessels and the brain. A forceful impact can lead to traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, or hemorrhaging, making it one of the most dangerous areas to strike in self-defense situations.

In contrast, while blows to other areas like the forearm, calf, and wrist can indeed cause pain, soft tissue damage, or fractures, they do not present the same immediate life-threatening risks. For example, targeting the forearm or wrist might incapacitate a person's ability to use their hands but would not typically result in severe life-threatening injuries. Similarly, injuries to the calf may be painful but are generally not critical. Thus, the temple stands out as a location where a strike can have dire consequences.