Which case governs the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers?

Study for the New Mexico LEOC Test. Gain knowledge through flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with detailed hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your upcoming exam!

The case that governs the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers is Tennessee v. Garner. This landmark Supreme Court decision established that the use of deadly force is an unreasonable seizure under the Fourth Amendment when it is employed against a fleeing suspect who poses no immediate threat to the officer or others. The case involved a police officer who shot a fleeing burglary suspect who was unarmed, leading to a ruling that the use of deadly force in such circumstances cannot be justified.

This decision effectively shaped the legal standards that law enforcement must adhere to regarding the use of deadly force and emphasized the need for officers to assess whether the suspect is an imminent threat before resorting to such extreme measures.

Other cases listed pertain to different legal matters: New Jersey v. T.L.O. addresses search and seizure in a school context, Miranda v. Arizona deals with the rights of individuals in custody regarding self-incrimination, and Graham v. Connor focuses on the reasonable use of force standard, but does not specifically address deadly force against fleeing suspects. Thus, Tennessee v. Garner remains the primary case regarding this critical area of law enforcement policy.

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