BPOC 736, Force Options Theory Flashcards
Texas Police Academy Flashcards
What is the definition of “Deadly Force”?
Force that is intended or known by the actor to cause, or in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing, death or serious bodily injury
What is the definition of “Force” (NOUN - Black’s Law Dictionary)?
(1) Strength or energy brought to bear, cause of motion or change, active power; moral or mental strength; capacity to persuade or convince; (2) Violence, compulsion, or constraint exerted upon person or thing; (3) The quality of conveying impressions intensely in writing or speech
What is the definition of “Force” (VERB – Black’s Law Dictionary)?
(1) To compel by physical, moral, or intellectual means; (2) To make or cause through natural or logical necessity; (3) To achieve or win by strength in struggle or violence; (4) An aggressive act committed by any person which does not amount to assault and is necessary to accomplish an objective; (5) Synonyms - compel, coerce, constrain, oblige.
What is the definition of “Reasonable Force”?
(1) “Reasonable” or “Necessary” force is the amount of lawful physical coercion sufficient to achieve a legitimate law enforcement objective and is objectively reasonable under the facts, circumstances and alternatives confronting an officer at the time actions are taken. Source: (Black’s Law Dictionary); (2) The amount of force necessary to protect oneself or one’s property from a violent attack, theft, or other type of unlawful aggression; (3) It may be used as a defense in a criminal trial; if one uses excessive force, or more than the force necessary for such protection, he or she may be considered to have forfeited the right to defense; (4) Also known as legal force.”
What does PC 9.02 - Justification as a Defense – state?
It is a defense to prosecution that the conduct in question is justified under this chapter.
What does PC 9.03 - Confinement as Justifiable Force – state?
Confinement is justified when force is justified by this chapter; must terminate confinement as soon as safe or until the person has been arrested.
What does PC 9.04 - Threats as Justifiable Force – state?
The threat of force is justified if the use of force is justified by this chapter; a threat to use a weapon, as long as it is just to create an apprehension that the officer will use deadly force if necessary, does not constitute the use of deadly force.
What does PC 9.05 - Reckless Injury of Innocent Third Persons – state?
Even if justified in threatening or using force or deadly force, if in doing so an innocent third person is recklessly injured, the justification afforded by this chapter is unavailable in a prosecution for the reckless injury or killing of the innocent third party.
What does PC 9.06 - Civil Remedies Unaffected – state?
The fact that conduct is justified under this chapter does not abolish or impair any remedy for the conduct that is available in a civil suit.
When is a police officer justified to use force under PC 9.51 – Arrest and Search?
Use of force is justified when the officer reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to make or assist in making an arrest or search or to prevent escape. The officer must identify they are a police officer.
When is someone who is not a police officer justified to use force under PC 9.51 – Arrest and Seizure?
Use of force is justified by a person other than a police officer when they reasonably believe the force is immediately necessary to make or assist in making an arrest or search or to prevent an escape. Before acting, the person must express the reason for his actions.
When is a police officer justified to use deadly force under PC 9.51 – Arrest and Search?
Use of deadly force is justified when the officer reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to make or assist in making an arrest or search or to prevent escape and (1) the officer reasonably believes the person has used deadly force in the past, and (2) the officer reasonably believes the person to be arrested will cause death or serious bodily harm to the officer or another if the arrest is delayed.
When is someone who is not a police officer justified to use deadly force under PC 9.51 – Arrest and Search?
Use of deadly force is justified when a person acting in a peace officer’s presence and at his direction reasonably believes deadly force is immediately necessary to make or assist in making an arrest or search or to prevent escape and (1) the third person reasonably believes the suspect has used deadly force in the past, and (2) the third party reasonably believes the suspect to be arrested will cause death or serious bodily harm to the officer or another if the arrest is delayed.
Estate of Ceballos v Bridgwater, Porras & Mull (PC 9.51)
According to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, this case on deadly force is clear; “an officer cannot use deadly force without an immediate threat to himself or others.”
Milstead v Kibler, 243 F.3d 157 (4th Cir. 2001)
“…police officers performing a discretionary function enjoy an immunity that shields them from liability for civil damages unless (1) the officers’ conduct violates a federal statutory or constitutional right, and (a) the right was clearly established at the time of the conduct, such that (b) an objectively reasonable officer would have understood that the conduct violated that right. “
Okonkwo v Fernandez, 2003 WL 22227858 (N.D. Tex.2003)
“Government officials who perform discretionary functions are entitled to the defense of qualified immunity, which shields them from suit as well as liability for civil damages, if their conduct does not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable officer would have known. A defendant official must affirmatively plead the defense of qualified immunity.”
Graham v Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989)
After being stopped on suspicion of DUI, Graham asked officers to check his wallet for a diabetic decal he carried, and a friend attempted to get permission to give Graham orange juice. Charlotte police refused. During a struggle, four officers threw him headfirst into a police car. Graham sustained serious injuries resulting in his suit alleging violation of his constitutional rights. The trial court found for the police officers based on the 14th Amendment. The supreme court reversed finding the officers’ actions must be objectively reasonable in light of the facts and circumstances (being told he was diabetic, not drunk), not underlying intent or motivation.
Brower v Inyo County, 489 U.S. 593 (1989)
A case in which the Court held that a police roadblock could constitute an illegal seizure under the Fourth Amendment. (Police allegedly parked the truck behind a curve with a police cruiser’s headlights aimed so as to blind him on his approach. The use of a roadblock by the police to stop Brower’s car constituted a seizure within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment.)
Osabutey v. Welch, 857 F.2d. 220 (1988)
“Our inquiry is limited to whether the officers could reasonably believe that their action was permissible within the limits of clearly established constitutional principles. We believe that the exigencies of the situation, coupled with the personal corroboration of a tip from a known and reliable informant, provide sufficient basis for a finding that the officers were acting within the protection of the qualified immunity discussed in Anderson.” https://scholar.google.com/ scholar_case?case=2858564050860236138&q =Osabutey+v.+Welch,+857+F.2d.+220+(1988)&hl=en&as_sdt=6,44&as_vis=1
Anderson v. Creighton, 483 U.S. 635, 107 S.Ct. 3034 (1987)
A federal law enforcement officer who participates in a search that violates the Fourth Amendment may not be held personally liable for money damages if a reasonable officer could have believed that the search comported with the Fourth Amendment.
Harlow v. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800 (1982)
Qualified immunity applies to presidential aides regarding their official actions, and it can be penetrated only when they have violated clearly established statutory or constitutional rights.
What is “absolute immunity”?
Absolute immunity generally applies to legislators who are conducting their legislative functions as well as prosecutors and executive officers who are conducting adjudicative functions.
What is “qualified immunity”?
Qualified immunity applies in a broader range of situations and is a more appropriate balance between the need of government officials to exercise their discretion and the importance of protecting individual rights. Cabinet members receive only qualified immunity, so presidential aides should not receive a higher degree of immunity. Their job is not so sensitive that it requires absolute immunity.
According to PC 9.21, except as qualified by Subsections (b) and (c), [use of force] conduct is justified if the actor:
(A) reasonably believes the conduct is required or authorized by law, (B) by the judgment or order of a competent court or other governmental tribunal, or (C) in the execution of legal process.
According to PC 9.21(c), the use of deadly force is not justified under this section unless the actor reasonably believes the deadly force is:
specifically required by statute or unless it occurs in the lawful conduct of war.
According to PC 9.22, what is the first requirement for the defense of necessity?
You “reasonably believe” your actions are “immediately necessary to avoid imminent harm.”
Can you argue that it was necessary to commit a crime in order to prevent some future threat of harm or danger?
No. The threat must be present, immediate, and current.
How do you know if your belief is reasonable?
If someone else, standing in your shoes, would have also believed that it was necessary to break the law to escape harm, your belief will likely be considered reasonable.
What does “Harm Caused vs Harm Avoided” mean?
The harm caused by your actions should not outweigh the harm you are attempting to avoid.
When does PC 9.31 say using force is justified?
When the actor reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to protect the actor against the other’s use or attempted use of unlawful force
When does PC 9.31 say using force is not justified?
(1) verbal provocation, (2) resist an arrest or search that the actor knows is being made by a peace officer, (3) if the actor provoked the use of force, (4) when the actor was carrying a weapon in violation of Section 46.02.
When is the use of forced to resist an arrest or search justified?
(1) if, before the actor offers any resistance, the peace officer uses or attempts to use greater force than necessary to make the arrest or search; (2) when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is necessary to protect himself against the peace officer’s use or attempted use of greater force than necessary.
When does PC 9.32 say a person is justified in the use of deadly force in defense of person?
(1) if the actor would be justified to use force under Section 9.31; (2) when the actor reasonably believes the deadly force is immediately necessary (a) to protect the actor against another’s use of deadly force, or (b) to prevent the other’s imminent commission of aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery.
When does PC 9.33 say a person is justified in using force or deadly force against another to protect a third person?
(1) If the actor would be justified in using force or deadly force to defend himself under PC 9.31 and 9.32; (2) if the actor believes his intervention is immediately necessary to protect the third person.
When does PC 9.34 say a person is justified in using force (but not deadly force)?
To prevent another from committing suicide or inflicting serious bodily injury to himself
When does PC 9.34 say a person is justified in using both force and deadly force against another?
If he reasonably believes the force or deadly force is immediately necessary to preserve the other’s life in an emergency.
When does PC 9.41 say a person in lawful possession of land or tangible, movable property is justified in using force against another?
When the actor reasonably believes the force is needed to prevent another from trespassing or unlawful interference with the property.
When does PC 9.42 say a person in lawful possession of land or tangible movable property is justified in using deadly force against another?
To prevent another’s commission of arson, burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, theft during the nighttime, or criminal mischief during the nighttime and he believes he is the only one who can protect the property
When does PC 9.43 say a person is justified in using force or deadly force to protect the land of a third party?
When the actor would be justified in protecting his own property and the third party has asked for his help or the third party is his spouse, parent, or child, resides with the actor, or is under the actor’s care.
When does PC 9.44 say a person is justified in using a device to protect his property?
If he is justified under 9.41 and 9.43 and to his belief when he installs the device, it is not designed to cause a substantial risk of causing death or serious bodily injury
When does PC 9.61 say the use of force, but not deadly force, is justified against a child younger than 18 years of age?
When the actor is the child’s parent, or acting as the parent at the parent’s request (grandparents, etc.), when the actor reasonably believes the force is necessary to discipline the child
When does PC 9.62 say the use of force, but not deadly force, is justified against a person?
If the actor is entrusted with the care, supervision, or administration of the person for a special purpose, and when the actor reasonably believes the force is necessary to further the special purpose or to maintain discipline in a group (i.e., teacher)
When does PC 9.63 say the use of force, but not deadly force, is justified against a mental incompetent?
If the actor is the incompetent’s guardian or similarly responsible for the care of the incompetent, and when the actor reasonably believes the force is necessary to safeguard and promote the incompetent’s welfare or to maintain discipline in an institution.
What is the definition of “custody” under PC 38.01(1)?
Under arrest by a peace officer pursuant to court order or under restraint by an employee of a facility that confines persons arrested or charged with criminal offenses
What is the definition of “escape” under PC 38.01(2)?
An unauthorized departure from custody or failure to return to custody following temporary leave for a specific purpose or limited period or leave that is part of an intermittent sentence but does not include a violation of conditions of community supervision or parole other than conditions that impose a period of confinement in a secure correctional facility
When does PC 9.52 say the use of force is justified to prevent escape?
(1) when the use of force equals the use of force allowed to arrest him; (2) except a guard employed by a correctional facility or peace officer is justified in using any force, including deadly force, that he reasonably believes to be immediately necessary to prevent the escape of a person from the correctional facility.
When does PC 9.53 say the use of force is justified?
An officer of a correctional facility is justified in using force against a person in custody when and to the degree the officer or employee reasonably believe the force is necessary to maintain the security of the correctional facility, the safety or security of other persons in custody or employed by the correctional facility, or his own safety or security.
What does CPRC 83.001 (Civil Immunity) state?
A defendant who uses force or deadly force that is justified under Chapter 9, Penal Code, is immune from civil liability for personal injury or death that results from the defendant’s use of force or deadly force, as applicable.
What is the conclusion in Tennessee v Garner, 471 U.S. 1 (1985)?
Absent circumstances, such as exhibition of weapons or the commission of a violent felony suggesting that the suspect is likely to pose a threat of death or injury if not immediately apprehended, the 4th Amendment prohibits seizure of the suspect by the use of deadly force.
What did the court decide in Fraire v City of Arlington, 957 F.2d 1268 (1992) and why?
Officer Lowery acted in self-defense when he fired a fatal shot at Fraire. Under the circumstances of this case, a reasonable police officer could have believed that in firing he was not violating Fraire’s constitutional right to be free of excessive force. Consequently, Lowery is entitled to the defense of qualified immunity for his actions in defending his life.
What did the court decide in Graham v. Connor, 490 U. S. 386 (1989) (Use of Force) and why?
Writing for a unanimous Court, Rehnquist ruled that an analysis of an excessive force claim should consider whether the search or seizure was objectively reasonable, based on how a reasonable police officer would have managed the same situation. The specific intent of the individual police officer who executed the search or seizure should not matter. This case helped shape police procedures for stops that involve the use of force. An officer cannot justify these actions based on a hunch or by showing that they acted in good faith. Instead, they must carefully articulate facts and events that made their use of force objectively reasonable under the circumstances.
What did the court decide in City of Waco v. Williams, 209 S.W.3d 216 (Tex.App-Waco, 2006, pet. den.) (Taser) and why?
In this interlocutory appeal of the trial court’s denial of the city’s plea to the jurisdiction, we must decide if the Texas Tort Claims Act’s intentional-tort exception to its waiver of sovereign immunity applies when police officers shoot a person with Tasers. We hold that the plaintiffs’ claims allege an intentional tort and that immunity has not been waived. We will reverse the trial court’s ruling and dismiss the case against the city for want of subject-matter jurisdiction.
What did the court conclude in Brother v. Klevenhagen, 28 F. 3d 452 (5th Cir. 1994) (Use of Force)
(1) Deadly force to prevent escape ruled excessive (suspect was running for the sallyport door, and he was shot multiple times.)