According to case law, when is the use of force considered unlawful?

The use of force is considered unlawful when it is unnecessary and wantonly inflicts pain. This standard is rooted in principles of excessive force, where any application of force needs to be justified as reasonable and proportional to the situation at hand. If the force applied is overtly excessive and serves no legitimate purpose, such as a situation where de-escalation or less intrusive methods could have been employed, it crosses the line into unlawful territory.

This perspective aligns with many court rulings where law enforcement actions are evaluated based on the necessity of the force employed, taking into account the circumstances and the level of threat presented. When force is unnecessary and leads to undue suffering or harm, it not only violates ethical standards but can also result in legal repercussions for the individuals involved. Ensuring that force is used appropriately and judiciously is crucial in maintaining lawful and fair law enforcement practices.