Tennessee v. Garner Case Brief

I. Case Citation and Jurisdiction

Case Name: Tennessee v. Garner
Citation: 471 U.S. 1 (1985)
Court: Supreme Court of the United States

II. Facts

a. Background:

Police officers responded to a burglary call.
A fleeing suspect, Edward Garner, was shot and killed by a police officer.

b. Key Facts:

Garner was unarmed.
The officer used deadly force to prevent the suspect's escape.

c. Procedural History:

The District Court ruled in favor of the police officer.
The Court of Appeals reversed, holding the use of deadly force unconstitutional.

III. Issues

Main Issue:

Whether the use of deadly force to prevent the escape of an apparently unarmed suspected felon violates the Fourth Amendment's prohibition against unreasonable seizures?

IV. Arguments

a. State's Argument:

The use of deadly force is justified if the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others.

b. Garner's Argument:

The use of deadly force against an unarmed suspect who does not pose a threat violates the Fourth Amendment.

V. Legal Precedents

Tennessee v. Garner (1985):

The Supreme Court held that the use of deadly force against an unarmed suspect was unconstitutional.

VI. Court Decision

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of Garner, holding that the use of deadly force against an unarmed suspect fleeing a burglary violates the Fourth Amendment.

VII. Impact

a. Legal Precedent:

The case set a precedent for the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers.

b. Policy Implications:

Led to changes in police policies and training regarding the use of deadly force.

VIII. Conclusion

a. Summary:

Tennessee v. Garner was a landmark case that established the standard for the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers.

b. Significance:

The case highlighted the need to balance law enforcement interests with the protection of individual rights under the Fourth Amendment.