What landmark case established the standard for "objective reasonableness" in the use of force?

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The landmark case that established the standard for "objective reasonableness" in the use of force is Graham v. Connor. This case arose when an officer stopped a man who was acting suspiciously. The Supreme Court determined that the use of force by police officers must be evaluated under the "objective reasonableness" standard, which means that the determination of whether the use of force was appropriate must be made from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with hindsight. This standard takes into consideration the circumstances confronting the officer, including the severity of the crime, whether the suspect posed an immediate threat, and whether the suspect was actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade arrest by flight.

This ruling emphasizes the need for officers to make split-second decisions in high-stress situations, underscoring that the appropriateness of a use of force response must align with the facts presented at that moment. The objective reasonableness standard aims to balance the need for effective policing with the constitutional rights of individuals, providing a guiding principle for evaluating police conduct in the use of force cases. The other cases listed do not specifically address the standard for the use of force as it relates to the objective reasonableness standard in law enforcement encounters.

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