What is the significance of the decision in Tennessee v. Garner regarding deadly force?

The decision in Tennessee v. Garner is significant because it set a clear constitutional standard regarding the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers. The ruling established that officers may only use deadly force when there is an imminent threat to their lives or the lives of others. This landmark case emphasized the necessity for a clear and present danger before resorting to such extreme measures, reflecting the legal principle that protecting human life is paramount.

By interpreting the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable seizures, the court determined that the use of deadly force must be justified by a genuine threat rather than simply the act of fleeing. This decision has helped shape police policies and training across the country, ensuring that the use of force is measured and appropriate given the situation at hand, aiming to preserve human life whenever possible.