What U.S. Supreme Court decision outlawed the fleeing felon law and set guidelines on police use of force in 1985?

Prepare for the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Exam with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your knowledge and boost your confidence for your upcoming exam!

The decision that outlawed the fleeing felon law and established guidelines for police use of force is found in the ruling of Tennessee v. Garner. This landmark case determined that the use of deadly force to apprehend a fleeing felon is unconstitutional if the suspect poses no immediate threat to the officer or others. The case arose after police shot an unarmed suspect who was fleeing from a burglary scene, leading the Supreme Court to conclude that such actions violated the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable seizures.

In this ruling, the Court emphasized that law enforcement officers must evaluate the threat posed by a suspect before deciding to use deadly force. This decision significantly changed police practices regarding the use of force, requiring officers to consider whether the suspect poses an imminent threat, thereby reinforcing the constitutional rights of individuals. This case remains a fundamental point of reference in discussions about police use of force and the protection of civil rights.

The other choices provided do not relate to the issues of police use of force or the fleeing felon law in the same context, which further underscores why Tennessee v. Garner is the correct answer in this context.

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