Commonwealth v. Boden

The first line of defense in society’s battle against the anarchy of crime is the police officer. In affirming the Superior Court’s decision in this case, the majority strips the police officer — and society — of a principal element for his protection in that ceaseless struggle. That protection is *288the right, authority and obligation of the police officer to use reasonable force, including deadly force if necessary, in executing his duties and in defending himself and others so long as the use of force is exercised within the parameters established by law. To be effective, that protection must…