Minnesota Reciprocity Practice Test 2025 - Free Reciprocity Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary focus of the ruling in Tennessee vs. Garner is on the regulations concerning the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers. This landmark Supreme Court case established that police officers may not use deadly force to prevent the escape of an unarmed fleeing suspect unless there is probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious injury to the officer or others. This ruling emphasized the importance of balancing the necessity of pursuing a suspect with the constitutional rights of individuals, fundamentally altering the standards under which deadly force could be applied by law enforcement.

The case is significant because it addressed the use of excessive force and confirmed that the prohibition against unreasonable seizure under the Fourth Amendment applies to police pursuits. In doing so, it underscored the need for officers to assess the situation critically and act within the parameters of the law when deciding to use lethal measures.