unnecessary force
[/ʌnˈnɛsəseri fɔrs/]
noun
força desnecessária
1. The use of more physical power or violence than is required or justified in a given situation, particularly in law enforcement or conflict contexts
The officer was accused of using unnecessary force when arresting the suspect.
O policial foi acusado de usar força desnecessária ao prender o suspeito.
2. Physical aggression or coercion beyond what is needed to achieve a lawful objective
Complaints about unnecessary force have increased in recent years.
As reclamações sobre força desnecessária aumentaram nos últimos anos.
This term has significant cultural and political importance in both the United States and Brazil, particularly in discussions of police reform, civil rights, and human rights. In Brazil, it is frequently invoked in discussions about police violence in favelas and marginalized communities. In the US, it has become central to police brutality debates and social justice movements. Legal standards for what constitutes 'unnecessary' force vary by jurisdiction and are subject to ongoing legal and public debate.
NYC Slang
police brutality / excessive force (common in civil rights discourse)
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