Under Stop, Question, and Frisk, what is required to stop and briefly question a person?

Under Stop, Question, and Frisk, what is required to stop and briefly question a person?

• A. Probable cause
• B. Beyond a reasonable doubt
• C. Reasonable suspicion
• D. A search warrant

Answer: (C)

To stop and briefly question someone, the officer must have reasonable suspicion—a particularized, objective basis to believe the person is involved in criminal activity, based on the totality of the circumstances. This standard, rooted in Terry v. Ohio, allows a brief seizure (a stop) and, if the situation suggests the person may be armed, a quick frisk for weapons. It is a lower standard than probable cause, which is needed for arrests or searches with a warrant. A search warrant isn’t required just to stop and question; beyond a reasonable doubt is the standard for conviction, not for stopping someone.

To stop and briefly question someone, the officer must have reasonable suspicion—a particularized, objective basis to believe the person is involved in criminal activity, based on the totality of the circumstances. This standard, rooted in Terry v. Ohio, allows a brief seizure (a stop) and, if the situation suggests the person may be armed, a quick frisk for weapons. It is a lower standard than probable cause, which is needed for arrests or searches with a warrant. A search warrant isn’t required just to stop and question; beyond a reasonable doubt is the standard for conviction, not for stopping someone.