Tennessee v. Garner addresses use of deadly force against which category of suspect?

• A. Non-violent offenders
• B. Fleeing felons
• C. Juvenile suspects
• D. Suspects with active warrants

Answer: (B)

This question tests understanding of when deadly force can be used on a suspect who is running away. Tennessee v. Garner held that deadly force may not be used simply to prevent an escape; the officer must have probable cause to believe the fleeing person poses a significant threat of death or serious bodily harm to the officer or others. The focus is on a fleeing felon, because the ruling specifically addresses the use of deadly force against someone who is fleeing after a crime and is a felon, under a strict threat standard. So the category addressed by the decision is fleeing felons, not merely non-violent offenders, juveniles, or people with warrants, unless there is an actual threat present.