New York State Court Officers Practice Exam

What is the significance of the legal case "Tennessee v. Garner" in law enforcement?

1. Established rights for suspects during questioning

2. Authorized use of deadly force in any situation

3. Limited use of deadly force by law enforcement in specific circumstances

4. Legalized search without a warrant

The correct answer is: Limited use of deadly force by law enforcement in specific circumstances

The significance of the legal case "Tennessee v. Garner" lies in its limitation on the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement may not use deadly force to apprehend a fleeing suspect unless there is a clear and present danger to the officer or others. This case established important constitutional standards intended to protect the rights of individuals while also addressing the need for law enforcement to perform their duties effectively. By setting this precedent, the ruling emphasized the necessity for law enforcement to consider the circumstances before employing deadly force, thereby balancing public safety with the rights of suspects. This framework ensures that the use of lethal measures is justified and confined to specific situations where it is warranted, reflecting a move towards greater accountability within law enforcement practices. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of the ruling in this case, as it did not address rights during questioning, authorize deadly force in any situation, or legalize warrantless searches. Instead, it directly focused on circumscribing the conditions under which deadly force could be justified in the apprehension of suspects.