Civil Service Supervisor Practice Exam

What does the Supreme Court ruling in Tennessee vs. Garner establish regarding the use of force during an arrest?

1. Deadly physical force can be used against any suspect

2. Deadly physical force may not be used against unarmed, non-dangerous felons

3. Officers can use deadly force to prevent escape

4. Only armed felons can be subject to deadly force

The correct answer is: Deadly physical force may not be used against unarmed, non-dangerous felons

The ruling in Tennessee vs. Garner establishes that deadly physical force may not be used against unarmed, non-dangerous felons. This landmark decision emphasized the importance of assessing the threat level presented by a suspect during an arrest. The Court determined that law enforcement officers must have probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others before resorting to the use of deadly force. This ruling essentially set a precedent for the application of force by police officers, mandating a more restrained approach when dealing with suspects who are not posing an immediate threat. The focus is on the reasonableness of the officer's actions in the context of the situation, which includes considering whether the suspect is armed and poses a danger to others. The decision aims to strike a balance between the need for effective policing and the protection of civil rights. The other options do not accurately encapsulate the ruling's implications regarding the use of deadly force and the conditions under which it may be justified.