Barnesv.Felix
CourtSupreme Court of the United States
Docket No.23-1239
DecidedMay 15, 2025
Reporter605 U.S. 73
JudgesKagan, J.; Roberts, C. J.; Thomas, Alito, Sotomayor, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Barrett, and Jackson, JJ.
Tags
Supreme CourtFourth AmendmentPolice Use of ForceDeadly ForceQualified Immunity
Case Summary
A police officer shot and killed a driver during a traffic stop. The lower court applied a moment-of-threat rule that considered only the instant immediately before the shot. The Supreme Court held that the Fourth Amendment requires courts to consider the totality of circumstances leading up to the use of force, including the officer’s own conduct that created or escalated the confrontation.
Opinion
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