Barnes v. Felix case, why the Court struck down the “moment of threat” rule, and how this changes self-defense cases, concealed carry laws, and police encounters forever. Supreme Court Issues 9-0 Unanimous Decision Changing Second Amendment & 4th Amendment Fight! There were two separate 9–0 rulings in 2025 : Fourth Amendment — Barnes v. Felix (May 15, 2025): The Court unanimously rejected the “moment-of-the-threat” test in police-force cases and said courts must assess the totality of circumstances (including officers’ conduct leading up to a shooting) when judging reasonableness. That refines Fourth-Amendment excessive-force doctrine ; it doesn’t rewrite the Amendment’s text. Example: Officers chase a teen for a busted taillight into a dim alley. Without waiting for backup or announcing themselves, they rush in with guns drawn, corner him, and shout conflicting commands. The teen, panicking, reaches toward his waistband to pull out a phone; an officer fires...
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