In the case of Estate of Ceballos v. Bridgewater, what must an officer prove to use deadly force?

In the case of Estate of Ceballos v. Bridgewater, the requirement for an officer to use deadly force centers on the need to establish an immediate threat to themselves or others. This standard is rooted in the understanding that the use of deadly force must be necessary to prevent imminent harm. The courts have emphasized that officers must evaluate the situation from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, considering the circumstances they face at that moment.

Proving an immediate threat is critical because it directly relates to the justification of using such a severe measure as deadly force. The presence of a weapon, a public safety concern, or clear intent to harm can be factors in determining the overall context, but they do not alone justify the use of deadly force without demonstrating the immediate threat of serious injury or death. Therefore, establishing that an officer faced an immediate threat to themselves or another person is the pivotal criterion for lawful use of deadly force in this case.