Deadly force and the rule of law: the Guyana example

Abstract

This article explores the nature and extent of police power to use deadly force within the context of the meaning of the rule of law in a liberal democracy. It is argued that the rule of law requires the protection of the most fundamental of all human rights ‐ the right to life ‐ and that when the coercive powers of government are exercised arbitrarily and excessively then not only is there a violation of existing legal rules, but the rule of law itself is in jeopardy. The laws governing the use of deadly force by the Guyana Police Force are discussed and incidences of the use of fatal force are evaluated to determine whether Guyana’s Police Force is acting within the meaning of the rule of law. It is concluded that the evidence suggests the continuing failure to comply with the requirements of legality and public accountability under the rule of law.