Which of the following is a Graham v. Connor factor used to judge the reasonableness of force?

• A. The suspect's age
• B. The time of day
• C. The suspect's resistance or evasion
• D. The officer's badge number

Answer: (C)

Graham v. Connor uses an objective reasonableness standard for use-of-force, evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, considering the totality of circumstances. A key factor in that assessment is whether the suspect is actively resisting or evading arrest. This helps determine the level of force that would be reasonable in the moment. Among the options, the suspect's resistance or evasion is the recognized Graham v. Connor factor, while the other items—age, time of day, or the officer's badge number—are not part of the established factors used to judge reasonableness. When a suspect resists, a reasonable officer may escalate force proportionately to address the threat and regain control; if there is no resistance, the force used should be substantially less.