Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Practice Exam

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What legal principle does Tennessee V. Garner emphasize regarding police use of force?

Force must always be reasonable.
Deadly force can be used in all situations.
Escaping felons can be pursued at all costs.
Deadly force is justified if there's a threat of serious harm.

The correct answer is: Deadly force is justified if there's a threat of serious harm.

The case of Tennessee v. Garner is crucial in establishing the legal principle regarding the use of deadly force by law enforcement. The Supreme Court ruled that the use of deadly force in apprehending a fleeing suspect is only justified if there is an imminent threat of serious harm to officers or others. This decision emphasizes that safety and the necessity to prevent harm should be the guiding factors in determining the use of such force, rather than simply the fact that a suspect is fleeing. In this context, the ruling plays a pivotal role in ensuring that law enforcement procedures are balanced against the rights and lives of suspects, reinforcing the concept that an immediate threat must be present to warrant such extreme measures. This principle underscores the importance of prioritizing human life while authorizing the use of force, shaping how police engagements are conducted in critical situations involving potential threats.