Which case established criteria for determining the legality of force used?

Kingsley v. Hendrickson is the pivotal case that established the criteria for determining the legality of force used by law enforcement. The case clarified the standards for assessing excessive force claims under the Fourteenth Amendment. The court introduced a "reasonable standard" that focuses on whether the force used by an officer was objectively reasonable in relation to the circumstances facing the officer at the time. This case underscores the importance of considering the perspective of an officer in a rapidly evolving situation, rather than solely the outcome of their actions.

In this case, the court shifted the burden to the officer to demonstrate that their use of force was justified, rather than evaluating the force based on the plaintiff's perspective. This legal framework is essential for law enforcement personnel to understand as it directly influences their use of force protocols and helps ensure accountability in their actions.

Other options may reference important cases related to law enforcement, but they do not specifically address the criteria for determining the legality of force in the same manner or scope as Kingsley v. Hendrickson.