What does the term "Objective Reasonable Officer Standard" in Graham v. Connor refer to?

The term "Objective Reasonable Officer Standard" in Graham v. Connor refers to the evaluation of actions based on the perspective of a reasonable police officer. This standard is critical in assessing whether a police officer’s use of force was appropriate under the circumstances they were facing at the moment. It emphasizes an objective assessment rather than a subjective interpretation of the officer's intentions or emotions.

In this context, the court looks at what a reasonable officer, with similar training and experience, would have perceived and done in the same situation. This approach ensures that the evaluation is grounded in rationality and reasonableness, rather than being swayed by personal biases or individual feelings of the officer involved. This standard is essential in cases concerning the use of force and helps to provide a clear framework for assessing law enforcement actions.