Under Tennessee v. Garner, before an officer may use deadly force to prevent the escape of a fleeing suspect, what two conditions must be met?

Under Tennessee v. Garner, before an officer may use deadly force to prevent the escape of a fleeing suspect, what two conditions must be met?

• A. The suspect is a felon and there is probable cause to believe the suspect is dangerous
• B. The officer has probable cause to believe the suspect is dangerous and the use of deadly force is necessary to affect seizure
• C. The officer has probable cause to believe the suspect is dangerous
• D. The suspect poses a threat to the officers life

Answer: (B)

This question tests the two conditions established in Tennessee v. Garner for when deadly force may be used to stop a fleeing suspect. First, the officer must have probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others. Second, the use of deadly force must be necessary to prevent the suspect’s escape—i.e., to affect seizure. Together, these ensure deadly force is justified only when there’s real danger and a real need to stop the flight. So the best answer reflects that the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect is dangerous and that deadly force is necessary to affect seizure. The other options misstate the rule by adding unnecessary criteria (like felon status) or omitting the required necessity to prevent escape.

This question tests the two conditions established in Tennessee v. Garner for when deadly force may be used to stop a fleeing suspect. First, the officer must have probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others. Second, the use of deadly force must be necessary to prevent the suspect’s escape—i.e., to affect seizure. Together, these ensure deadly force is justified only when there’s real danger and a real need to stop the flight.

So the best answer reflects that the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect is dangerous and that deadly force is necessary to affect seizure. The other options misstate the rule by adding unnecessary criteria (like felon status) or omitting the required necessity to prevent escape.