Tennessee v. Garner

Tennessee v. Garner (1985) is a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that addressed police use of deadly force. The Court ruled that law enforcement cannot use deadly force against a fleeing suspect unless the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious injury. This decision reinforced the principle that an individual’s Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable seizures must be respected, highlighting the need for a balance between public safety and personal rights. The ruling established important guidelines for police conduct in pursuit situations.