According to Tennessee v. Garner, when can officers use deadly force during an arrest?

The principle established in Tennessee v. Garner is that law enforcement officers may use deadly force to apprehend a fleeing suspect only when there is a significant threat to the officer or others. This landmark case clarified the conditions under which deadly force is deemed justifiable, emphasizing that the use of such force must be necessary to prevent imminent harm.

In practical terms, this means that if a suspect poses an immediate danger to the officer or to the public, and no other means of stopping them is available, then the use of deadly force is permissible. This ruling reflects a balance between the need for officers to protect themselves and the community while also considering the potential consequences of using lethal force, especially when dealing with non-violent crimes or individuals who are only suspected of wrongdoing. The principle thereby promotes a standard where the protection of life takes precedence over the apprehension of suspects in less dangerous situations.