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

The key principle established in Tennessee v. Garner is that the use of deadly force against an unarmed fleeing felon is unconstitutional. This landmark Supreme Court case clarified the limits of police authority and affirmed that law enforcement officers cannot use deadly force to apprehend a suspect who poses no immediate threat to them or others. The ruling emphasized that the apprehension of a suspect must be balanced against the necessity of using lethal force, particularly in situations where the suspect is fleeing and does not present a danger. Consequently, if a suspect is unarmed and poses no significant threat, employing deadly force is unjustifiable under the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable seizures. This decision has shaped policing practices and policies regarding the use of force in pursuing suspects.