Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

What standard is used to evaluate claims of excessive force by law enforcement during an arrest according to Graham v. Connor?

1. The substantive due process standard

2. The objective reasonableness standard

3. The reasonable suspicion standard

4. The probable cause standard

The correct answer is: The objective reasonableness standard

The evaluation of claims of excessive force by law enforcement during an arrest is guided by the objective reasonableness standard established in the case of Graham v. Connor. This standard assesses whether the use of force by law enforcement officers was reasonable under the circumstances known to the officer at the time of the incident, taking into account factors such as the severity of the crime, whether the suspect posed an immediate threat to officers or others, and whether the suspect was actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade police. In applying the objective reasonableness standard, courts recognize that officers often must make quick decisions in dynamic and potentially dangerous situations. Therefore, the focus is on whether the officer's response was reasonable from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than employing hindsight or considering the officer's subjective intentions. This standard emphasizes the importance of context and the necessity for law enforcement to balance their duty to enforce the law with the rights of individuals. This approach helps to maintain a fair assessment of police conduct while respecting the complexity of law enforcement situations. Characteristics associated with the other standards mentioned do not specifically address the evaluation of excessive force in the same way that the objective reasonableness standard does.