According to the USSC, deadly force is permitted under which circumstance?

Deadly force is permitted according to the U.S. Supreme Court under the circumstance of preventing the escape of a dangerous suspect. This is grounded in the understanding that law enforcement officers have a duty to protect the safety of the public and themselves. When a suspect poses an imminent threat to life, either to the officer or to members of the community, the use of deadly force may be justified to prevent that individual from escaping and potentially causing further harm.

The principle here is rooted in the necessity of self-defense and the defense of others. If a suspect is known to be dangerous and poses a significant threat, the law acknowledges that immediate action may be required to neutralize that threat, especially if the suspect is attempting to flee.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the legal standards established by the Supreme Court regarding the use of deadly force. Making an arrest typically requires the use of reasonable force rather than deadly force unless extenuating circumstances exist. Intimidating a suspect does not justify the use of deadly force, as the law requires a specific and imminent threat to life. Lastly, using deadly force to deter future criminal activity lacks legal justification, as it is not permissible to preemptively use such force in anticipation of potential crimes.