What did Hudson v. McMillian establish regarding use of force?

The case of Hudson v. McMillian established that in correctional settings, the intent of the corrections officers plays a crucial role in determining the reasonableness of the use of force. The Supreme Court ruled that the application of force must not only be necessary but also carried out with appropriate intent. This means that if the force is used maliciously or sadistically for the purpose of causing harm, it is considered excessive and unconstitutional, regardless of whether physical injuries occurred.

This focus on intent aligns with the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishments, emphasizing that the motive behind the action is fundamental when assessing the appropriateness of force used in corrections. In this context, it isn't solely the severity of injury suffered that matters but the intention behind the action that ultimately informs the judgment on reasonableness. Therefore, understanding the role of intent is essential in evaluating cases involving the use of force in correctional facilities.