According to Tennessee v. Garner, when can deadly force be used on a fleeing suspect?

In the case of Tennessee v. Garner, the Supreme Court established clear guidelines regarding the use of deadly force by law enforcement in the context of a fleeing suspect. The ruling specifies that the use of deadly force is only justified when the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious injury to the officer or others. This principle aims to balance the need for effective law enforcement with the protection of constitutional rights.

The confirmation that deadly force can be applied solely under the condition that a suspect poses a serious threat underscores the necessity for officers to assess the situation carefully. Officers must evaluate the threat posed by the suspect rather than using deadly force as a general measure to prevent escape. This reflects a fundamental shift towards prioritizing human life and ensuring that lethal force is a last resort, rather than a standard response during a fugitive encounter.