What case law is relevant to the Fourth Amendment regarding search and seizure?

Prepare for the HCSO Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) Test. Study with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Tennessee v. Garner is a significant case in the context of the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. The Supreme Court held that law enforcement officers may not use deadly force to prevent the escape of an unarmed fleeing suspect. This ruling established that the use of deadly force constitutes a seizure under the Fourth Amendment, and it must be reasonable, meaning that officers must have probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others.

This decision clarified the parameters of permissible actions by law enforcement during arrest situations, underscoring the importance of balancing the need for effective law enforcement against individuals' rights to be free from unreasonable force. The case has since influenced policies concerning the use of force and has shaped law enforcement's engagement with suspects during pursuits.

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