Tennessee v. Garner (1985) restricts deadly force: Deadly force may not be used against an unarmed and fleeing suspect unless what condition is met?

• A. to prevent the escape and unless the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious injury to others.
• B. only when the suspect is armed.
• C. whenever the suspect flees a scene.
• D. at the officer's discretion regardless of threat

Answer: (A)

Deadly force against a fleeing, unarmed suspect is tightly limited. The officer may use deadly force only to prevent the suspect’s escape if there is probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious injury to the officer or to others, and the use of deadly force is necessary to stop the escape. This means the threat must be real and imminent, not just a desire to capture someone who is running away. If those conditions aren’t met, deadly force isn’t justified.