What key principle does Tennessee v. Garner establish regarding the use of deadly force?

The case of Tennessee v. Garner, decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1985, established a crucial principle regarding the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers. The ruling concluded that the use of deadly force against a fleeing suspect is unconstitutional when the suspect is unarmed and does not pose an immediate threat to the officer or others.

In this case, the court emphasized that officers cannot use deadly force simply because a suspect is fleeing. Instead, there must be a significant threat to the officer or to others for such force to be deemed justifiable. This principle is rooted in the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, indicating that applying deadly force, especially in the absence of an immediate threat, is an unreasonable response.

Understanding this principle is critical for law enforcement officers, as it guides their decision-making in the field and underscores the importance of evaluating the circumstances before resorting to lethal measures. The ruling ensures that the rights of suspects, particularly unarmed individuals, are protected, promoting a balance between maintaining public safety and upholding constitutional rights.