Constitutional Law

Chicago gov't going trigger happy?

Chicago is instituting a major change in LE policy, allowing use of deadly force against felony suspects fleeing in autos. (The article does not explain the basis for a distinction between suspects fleeing in autos and those fleeing on foot, or whether a motorcycle counts as an auto).

I haven't time to research today, but as I recall Tennessee v. Garner rejected the general power to use lethal force to stop a fleeing felon and limited LEO lethal force mostly to parallel civilian use of lethal force, i.e., defense of self and others. I suspect that any Chicago civilian who back-shot a fleeing car thief would be the subject of a quick indictment.

Hat tip to reader Ash Mayfield ...

Full post as published by Of Arms and the Law on July 29, 2009 (boomark / email).