What was the primary legal issue in Scott v. Harris (2007)?

The primary legal issue in Scott v. Harris (2007) revolved around police pursuit tactics. The case addressed whether the use of a police vehicle to deliberately ram a fleeing suspect’s car, in order to stop the suspect from fleeing, constituted excessive force under the Fourth Amendment. The Supreme Court ruled that the circumstances justified the use of the pursuit tactic, as the suspect posed a significant threat to public safety by driving recklessly. This decision highlighted that police officers need to consider the greater societal interest in preventing harm when engaging in pursuits and the extent of force that is reasonable in the context of those circumstances. The ruling set a precedent regarding how police pursuits can be handled legally without constituting a violation of constitutional rights, emphasizing the balance between law enforcement duties and the protection of individuals' rights.