Final answer:
In Tennessee v. Garner, it is stated that if a suspect threatens an officer with a weapon or is suspected of a crime involving serious physical harm, deadly force can be used if it's necessary to prevent escape and after a warning has been given, where feasible.
Step-by-step explanation:
The case of Tennessee v. Garner addresses the use of deadly force by law enforcement. To complete the sentence: "if the suspect threatens the officer with a weapon or there is probable cause to believe that he has committed a crime involving the infliction or threatened infliction of serious physical harm, deadly force may be used if necessary to prevent escape, and if, where feasible, a warning has been given."
This ruling has a significant impact on how police officers engage with suspects, especially in situations that may escalate to violence. It stands alongside notable cases such as Terry v. Ohio and Illinois v. Gates, which also explore the bounds of the Fourth Amendment related to reasonable suspicion and probable cause in the context of searches and seizures. Moreover, incidents such as the fatal shooting of Michael Brown and others highlight ongoing racial tensions and debates surrounding policing practices in the U.S., underscoring the delicate balance between law enforcement authority and individual rights.