Which US Supreme Court case deemed the use of deadly force against an unarmed and nondangerous fleeing felon an illegal seizure of their person under the Fourth Amendment?

The selection of the case involving Tennessee v. Garner aligns perfectly with the legal principle regarding the use of deadly force. In this landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement officers cannot use deadly force against a fleeing felon unless the suspect poses an immediate threat to the officer or others. This ruling stems from an examination of the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures. The court emphasized that using lethal force against an unarmed and nondangerous individual constitutes an unreasonable seizure, thereby violating their constitutional rights.

By establishing this precedent, the ruling in Tennessee v. Garner has significant implications for police practices, ensuring that officers are held to high standards concerning the use of force, particularly in situations where the individual poses no immediate threat to others. The case is often cited in discussions about police use of force and the constitutional protections afforded to individuals under the Fourth Amendment. This understanding is key for students and practitioners in criminal justice as it highlights the balance between law enforcement authority and individual rights.