Final answer:
An officer can use deadly force in three main circumstances: self-defense from an immediate threat, to prevent a dangerous suspect's escape, or to stop a significant threat to public safety. Legal justification depends on the reasonableness of the threat perceived at the time of the incident.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Can an Officer Use Deadly Force-
Law enforcement officers face difficult decisions when it comes to the use of deadly force. While circumstances can vary, there are generally three situations in which the use of deadly force is considered legally justified:
- Self-defense or the defense of others from an immediate threat of death or serious bodily harm.
- To prevent a suspect from escaping when the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or others.
- To quell a significant threat to public safety, as in an active shooter situation where lives are in imminent danger.
In the case of Terry v. Ohio, the Supreme Court ruled that police can stop and frisk individuals if they have reasonable suspicion that a crime has been or is being committed, and if they believe the suspect may be armed and dangerous. This ruling, however, did not directly address the use of deadly force.
It's crucial to note that the legality of deadly force also depends on the reasonableness of the officer's perception of the threat at the time the force is used, which is often evaluated under high scrutiny, especially in cases involving the shooting of unarmed individuals.