In the case of Tennessee v. Garner, what did the ruling establish regarding the use of deadly physical force?

The ruling in Tennessee v. Garner established that the use of deadly physical force by law enforcement constitutes a seizure under the Fourth Amendment. This landmark decision determined that law enforcement officers could not use deadly force to apprehend a fleeing suspect unless it was necessary to prevent serious injury or death to themselves or others.

The court found that the seizure must be reasonable, and the necessity for using deadly force must be based on an immediate threat posed by the suspect. This understanding reshaped the standards for the use of force by police, emphasizing that officers must assess the situation carefully and consider the immediate threat level before deciding to use deadly force. The decision has had a significant impact on law enforcement practices and policies regarding the use of force and has underscored the importance of protecting the rights of individuals under the Constitution.