According to Tennessee v. Garner, when is the use of deadly force justified on a fleeing felon?

The ruling in Tennessee v. Garner established important guidelines regarding the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers, particularly in relation to fleeing felons. The correct answer emphasizes that deadly force is justified only when the fleeing felon presents a significant threat to the officer or others. This approach requires law enforcement to assess the totality of circumstances surrounding the encounter.

In practice, this means that officers must consider factors such as the nature of the crime committed, the suspect's behavior during the pursuit, the presence of weapons, and any potential danger to the public. The court ruled that the use of deadly force is a severe and ultimate measure that should only be employed when absolutely necessary to prevent serious harm. This ruling underscores the necessity for officers to weigh their response based on the immediate circumstances and threats posed by the individual in question.

The focus on the significant threat in this context helps ensure that lethal force is not used indiscriminately and is reserved for situations where there is a clear and imminent danger. This principle of evaluating the circumstances is critical to maintaining the balance between effective law enforcement and the protection of civil liberties.