According to Tennessee v Garner (1985), when is the use of deadly force justified?

In Tennessee v. Garner (1985), the Supreme Court ruled that the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers to prevent the escape of a fleeing suspect is only justified when the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical harm to the officer or others. This landmark decision emphasized that the threat posed by the suspect must be immediate and substantial, thereby setting a standard of necessity for using deadly force.

This ruling has since been pivotal in shaping law enforcement policies regarding the use of force, aligning them with constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. It establishes a critical balance between the interests of law enforcement and the rights of individuals, ensuring that officers act within limits consistent with the Constitution when making decisions about force. Therefore, choice B accurately reflects the legal standard set by the case, recognizing the necessity to assess the threat level posed by a suspect before deciding to use deadly force.