Field Resource · Case Law
Use of Force
Quick reference—verify current law and follow agency policy. Summaries do not independently establish search or arrest authority.
Florida tags identify Florida state-court decisions. Nationwide decisions apply in Florida too; DCA decisions may have district-specific limits.
Barnes v. Felix
Assess the full encounter · 605 U.S. 73 (2025)
A force assessment must consider the totality of the circumstances, including relevant events before the moment force was used.
Graham v. Connor
Objective reasonableness · 490 U.S. 386 (1989)
Force during an arrest, stop, or other seizure is judged objectively from a reasonable officer's perspective at the scene, considering all the circumstances.
Tennessee v. Garner
Deadly force against fleeing suspects · 471 U.S. 1 (1985)
Deadly force cannot be used solely to stop escape. It requires necessity to prevent escape and probable cause of a significant threat of death or serious injury to the officer or others.