Which Supreme Court case establishes the standards for the use of deadly force by police?

The case that establishes the standards for the use of deadly force by police is Tennessee vs. Garner. In this landmark decision, the Supreme Court addressed the issue of whether a law enforcement officer can use deadly force against a fleeing suspect. The court ruled that police may only use deadly force when it is necessary to prevent a suspect from escaping and when the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others.

This ruling is significant because it set constitutional limits on the use of deadly force, aligning with the Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. The court emphasized the importance of balancing the need for law enforcement to apprehend suspects with the rights of individuals to be free from excessive force. This case remains a foundational precedent that guides police protocols and use-of-force policies across the United States.

In contrast, the other cases mentioned, such as Miranda vs. Arizona, primarily focus on the rights of individuals during police interrogations, while Gideon vs. Wainwright deals with the right to counsel. Furman vs. Georgia addresses the constitutionality of the death penalty. Thus, while these cases are critical in their own