Under Graham vs. Conner, what does objective reasonableness mean?

Objective reasonableness, as established in Graham v. Conner, refers to the standard used to evaluate the actions of law enforcement officers when they are confronted with a use-of-force situation. This standard is based on the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, taking into account the specific circumstances and the immediate situation they face at that moment.

The concept emphasizes that the actions taken by an officer must be judged from the viewpoint of someone in their position, rather than through hindsight. This means evaluating whether an officer's use of force was appropriate based on the information and exigencies that they faced when the decision to act was made.

This is critical in ensuring that officers are not held to an unrealistic standard and that their decisions are understood within the context of the dynamic and often chaotic nature of law enforcement situations. Understanding this definition helps underscore the importance of context in assessing law enforcement actions, ensuring that evaluations are both fair and informed by the realities of high-stress scenarios that officers often encounter.