What does the Tennessee v. Garner rule state about deadly force?

The Tennessee v. Garner ruling, issued by the Supreme Court in 1985, established significant limits regarding the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers. The decision asserts that deadly force may only be used to prevent the escape of a suspect if there is an immediate threat to the officer or others. This means that law enforcement can only employ such force when it is necessary to protect life and is proportionate to the threat posed by the individual attempting to flee.

This ruling emphasizes a balance between the need for effective law enforcement and the necessity of protecting individual rights and lives. It prohibits the use of lethal force in situations where the suspect poses no immediate danger or threat, thereby providing clear guidelines for officers on when they can justifiably use such extreme measures. This legal framework is crucial as it underscores the importance of evaluating the threat level before making the decision to use deadly force.