What term describes the use of force exceeding that which is legally permissible?

The term that describes the use of force exceeding that which is legally permissible is known as excessive force. This concept is crucial in law enforcement because it relates to the standards governing how police officers can perform their duties while respecting individuals' rights. Excessive force occurs when an officer's response to a situation is disproportionate to the threat posed, violating constitutional rights and potentially leading to claims of misconduct.

Understanding excessive force is essential for police officers and law enforcement agencies, as it influences both training and policies aimed at maintaining community trust and ensuring accountability. This concept is well-documented in legal cases and police training manuals, where adherence to the principle of using only the necessary level of force is emphasized to ensure the proper use of authority.

Other terms, while similar in intent, do not capture the legal connotation as precisely as "excessive force." For instance, unreasonable force may imply that the action taken by the officer was not justified, but it lacks the specific legal context that excessiveness entails. Unauthorized force suggests an action taken outside the bounds of an officer's authority, while illegal force carries a connotation of criminality, thus not encapsulating the nuances of excessive application of force in a lawful scenario.