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Where the suspect poses no immediate threat to the officer and no threat to others, the harm resulting from the failing to apprehend him does not justify the use of deadly force to do so.
Byron White
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Deadly force should not be used against a non-threatening suspect.

This quote emphasizes the idea that law enforcement officers must evaluate situations carefully and prioritize the safety and preservation of life over the urgency to apprehend a suspect who poses no immediate danger to themselves or others. It advocates for a more measured and ethical approach to the use of force in policing.

Themes

LawPolicingForceJusticeEthics

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about police use of force, this quote could illustrate the importance of restraint.

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To exclude all jurors who would be in the slightest way effected by the prospect of the death penalty would be to deprive the defendant of the impartial jury to which he or she is entitled under the law.
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The risk of racial prejudice infecting a capital sentencing proceeding is especially serious in light of the complete finality of the death sentence.
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