When is deadly force permissible according to Tennessee v. Garner?

In the context of law enforcement and the use of force, the ruling in Tennessee v. Garner establishes important guidelines for when deadly force may be considered permissible. The correct answer highlights that deadly force is allowed only when the fleeing felon poses a significant threat to the officer or others.

This principle stems from the understanding that individuals have a right to life, and law enforcement officers are limited in their use of deadly force to situations where there is an imminent threat to the safety of themselves or others. The ruling emphasizes the necessity of assessing the threat level posed by the individual in order to ensure that the use of force is justified and proportionate to the situation.

While the other options may seem relevant in discussions about the use of force, they do not accurately reflect the legal standards set forth by the Supreme Court in this case. The ruling underscores the importance of protecting lives while allowing officers to act decisively in potentially dangerous encounters. Understanding this balance between the right to apprehend suspects and the need to minimize harm to all involved is fundamental to the principles of law enforcement as outlined in this landmark case.