In Tennessee v. Garner, deadly force is authorized when there are articulable facts that lead to what?

• A. An immediate threat with proof
• B. Articulable facts to lead you to a probable cause
• C. A verbal warning has been given
• D. A suspect has confessed

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that deadly force must be tied to probable cause, not a hunch or a routine precaution. In Tennessee v. Garner, the rule is that a police officer may use deadly force against a fleeing suspect only if there are articulable facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe there is probable cause to think the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious bodily harm to the officer or to others, or that the suspect is armed and dangerous. In other words, the officer must be able to articulate specific observations or information (the articulable facts) that would justify believing such a threat exists. This isn’t about a confession, a verbal warning, or an abstract fear; it’s about concrete, explainable facts that establish probable cause for why deadly force is necessary to prevent serious harm.