What case is commonly referenced in discussions regarding excessive force?

The case that is most commonly referenced in discussions regarding excessive force is Graham v. Connor. This landmark decision, delivered by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1989, established the standard for evaluating claims of excessive force by law enforcement officers under the Fourth Amendment. The Court ruled that the use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with the hindsight of an officer who is analyzing the situation after the fact.

This standard is significant because it emphasizes the importance of assessing the circumstances facing the officer at the time the force was used. It requires consideration of factors such as the severity of the crime, whether the suspect posed an immediate threat to the safety of the officer or others, and whether the suspect was actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade arrest by flight. This framework has been pivotal in guiding courts in determining whether an officer's use of force was excessive and thereby unconstitutional.

In contrast, the other cases listed have different focuses; for example, Miranda v. Arizona deals with the rights of the accused regarding self-incrimination, Tennessee v. Garner addresses the use of deadly force in the context of an escaping felon, and Frisbie v. Collins pertains to the legality of a police arrest that was