Course Learning Goals:

In 1978, Minnesota codified statute Minn. Stat. § 609.066 — Authorized Use of Deadly Force by Peace Officers. For over forty years, the statute saw little change through legislative amendments and applicable case law. However, recently, the evolution of criminal charges against police officers has changed. In 2016, Jeronimo Yanez was charged with Second Degree Manslaughter. In 2017, Mohammed Noor was charged with murder and manslaughter for unauthorized use of deadly force. In 2020, the arrest and prosecution of Derek Chauvin brought national and local discussion on use of force and police reform. At the center of the discussions surrounding these incidents was Minn. Stat. § 609.066, including the recent amendment to the four-decade statute that placed new requirements on peace officers. What are the new requirements? How has case-law evolved regarding authorized use of deadly force in Minnesota? As a peace officer, what expectations exist under this new law?
The instructor’s approach includes a legal analysis on crimes that could be charged, along with real hypotheticals to engage the audience. Although this class is not meant to equip law enforcement with a final answer for every scenario, it will provide peace officers with how authorized use of deadly force is used by prosecutors and judges in determining if criminal charges may be appropriate.