Under what scenario is deadly force permitted according to Tennessee v. Garner?

In the case of Tennessee v. Garner, the Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement officers may use deadly force to prevent the escape of a fleeing suspect when the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others. This ruling emphasizes the necessity for an imminent threat to justify the use of such extreme measures.

In this context, "significant threat" refers to a reasonable belief that the suspect, if not apprehended, poses a danger to the public or to the officer’s safety. The decision underscores that the mere act of fleeing does not automatically justify deadly force; the officer must assess the situation and evaluate the level of threat presented by the suspect.

By establishing this criterion, the ruling aims to balance the need for effective law enforcement with the protection of individual constitutional rights, ensuring that deadly force is not used indiscriminately. This is why the correct answer highlights the circumstances under which deadly force is justifiable, focusing on the perceived threat rather than on other factors that do not pertain to immediate danger.