What is the term for authorization to use force when a suspect flees during apprehension for a suspected serious crime?

• A. Arrest Authority
• B. Escape Clause
• C. Fleeing-Felon Rule
• D. Hot Pursuit Rule

Answer: (C)

The term is Fleeing-Felon Rule. It refers to the historical idea that police may use force, even deadly force, to prevent the escape of a felon who is being apprehended for a serious crime. This concept rests on the belief that allowing a fleeing felon to escape could pose ongoing danger to the public. In practice, modern law narrows this authority: after Tennessee v. Garner, deadly force is only permissible if there is probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious bodily harm and the use of force is necessary to prevent escape. This rule specifically applies to suspects believed to have committed serious crimes, not to misdemeanors or non-threatening situations. The other terms refer to different ideas—hot pursuit concerns chasing suspects, arrest authority is the general power to make arrests, and an escape clause isn’t a standard term for this context.