What landmark case established that deadly force is considered a seizure under the Fourth Amendment?

The landmark case that established that deadly force is considered a seizure under the Fourth Amendment is Tennessee vs. Garner. This 1985 Supreme Court decision clarified the legal standards governing the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers when apprehending fleeing suspects. The Court ruled that the use of deadly force constitutes a “seizure” within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment and that such force may only be used if the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious injury to the officer or others.

Tennessee vs. Garner set a critical precedent by emphasizing the need for an objective assessment of the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force. It balanced the government's interest in enforcing the law and maintaining public safety against an individual's right to be free from unreasonable seizures, underscoring the importance of reasonable perception and restraint by law enforcement in potentially deadly encounters. This case has had a lasting impact on police procedures and has shaped the training provided to officers regarding the use of force in various situations.