What was the outcome of Roy v Inhabitants of the City of Lewiston (1994)?

The outcome of Roy v. Inhabitants of the City of Lewiston in 1994 highlighted that the use of deadly force by law enforcement was deemed unreasonable in the specific circumstances of the case. The court focused on the actions of the officers involved and determined that the situation did not meet the legal threshold for justifying use of deadly force. This case underscored the necessity for law enforcement officers to adhere to the principles of proportionality and reasonableness when responding to potentially violent situations, specifically emphasizing the importance of evaluating the level of threat to determine the appropriate force response.

This ruling has implications for law enforcement protocols regarding the use of force and reinforces the legal expectation that deadly force should only be employed when absolutely necessary to prevent imminent harm. Understanding this principle helps officers apply appropriate judgment in emergency situations while ensuring they remain within legal and ethical boundaries.