What is the primary legal principle established in Graham v. Connor?

The primary legal principle established in Graham v. Connor centers around the concept of excessive force in the context of law enforcement and policing. This landmark case set the standard that the use of force by police officers must be evaluated under the Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens from unreasonable seizures.

In Graham v. Connor, the Supreme Court held that the reasonableness of a police officer's use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with the benefit of hindsight. This standard recognizes the split-second decision-making that officers often face in high-pressure situations and emphasizes the need for an objective analysis of the circumstances confronting the officer at the time the force was employed.

This case established a clear benchmark for complaints regarding excessive force, ensuring that each incident would be assessed by considering factors such as the severity of the crime, whether the suspect posed an immediate threat, and whether the suspect was actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade the police.

While the other options touch on important areas of law, they do not relate directly to the principal finding of Graham v. Connor as it specifically focuses on how officers should use force judiciously and within constitutional boundaries.