What is the key principle established in Graham v. Connor regarding the use of force?

In Graham v. Connor, the key principle that was established is that the use of force by law enforcement must be reasonable and necessary. This landmark case determined that an officer's use of force is to be evaluated based on the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, considering the specific circumstances and the need for force at that moment. This standard aims to balance the rights of individuals with the need for police officers to make quick decisions in potentially volatile and unpredictable situations.

The ruling emphasizes that the assessment of reasonableness must take into account factors such as the severity of the threat posed by a suspect, whether the suspect is an immediate threat to officer safety or the safety of others, and whether the suspect is actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade arrest. Hence, the term "reasonable and necessary" serves as a guiding principle, focusing on appropriate and justifiable use of force that aligns with the circumstances at hand.