What is the primary focus of Tennessee v. Garner?

The primary focus of Tennessee v. Garner revolves around the use of deadly force by law enforcement to prevent a suspect's escape. This landmark case established important legal standards regarding when and how police officers can justify the use of deadly force in such situations.

The Supreme Court held that it is unconstitutional for police officers to use deadly force against an unarmed and fleeing suspect unless the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others. This ruling highlighted the necessity of balancing the need for effective law enforcement with the protection of individual rights. It fundamentally shifted the legal standards governing police practices by emphasizing that deadly force should only be a last resort, fundamentally affecting law enforcement policies across the country.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of law enforcement and criminal procedure, such as the legality of police searches, the definition of probable cause, and the right to counsel. These topics, while significant, are not the primary focus of Tennessee v. Garner, making the use of deadly force to prevent escape the central issue addressed in this case.