Summary
Tennessee v. Garner sets the constitutional standard for deadly force against fleeing suspects.
Legal Issue
When may officers use deadly force against a fleeing suspect?
Holding
Deadly force may not be used against a fleeing suspect unless the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury.
Rule of Law
The Fourth Amendment limits deadly force against fleeing suspects to situations involving a significant threat of death or serious physical injury.
Court Reasoning
The Court balanced the individual's Fourth Amendment interests against the governmental interest in effective law enforcement.
Impact for Officers
Officers must evaluate threat, not just flight.
What Officers Can Do
Use deadly force when probable cause supports that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury.
What Officers Should Avoid
Do not use deadly force solely because a suspect is fleeing.
Common Misunderstanding
Garner does not ban all force against fleeing suspects; it limits deadly force.