Which statement best describes a Terry stop?

Which statement best describes a Terry stop?

• A. A Terry stop is a stop based on reasonable suspicion; a protective frisk allows a limited pat-down for weapons when there is a reasonable belief of danger.
• B. It is a stop based on probable cause; a protective frisk is a full search.
• C. It always requires a warrant.
• D. It is used only on traffic stops.

Answer: (A)

The key idea being tested is the Terry stop, which is a brief detention based on reasonable suspicion, paired with a protective frisk that allows a limited pat-down for weapons when the officer has a reasonable belief of danger. This combination reflects the balance struck by Terry v. Ohio: the officer can stop someone to investigate possible criminal activity if there are specific, articulable facts that justify concern, and, if safety is at risk, the officer may perform a quick pat-down to check for weapons. The frisk is limited in scope to discovering weapons and isn’t a full search for contraband or drugs. Because it’s grounded in reasonable suspicion rather than probable cause, and because it is a temporary, noninvasive action without a warrant, it fits a scenario beyond just traffic stops and does not require a warrant.

The key idea being tested is the Terry stop, which is a brief detention based on reasonable suspicion, paired with a protective frisk that allows a limited pat-down for weapons when the officer has a reasonable belief of danger. This combination reflects the balance struck by Terry v. Ohio: the officer can stop someone to investigate possible criminal activity if there are specific, articulable facts that justify concern, and, if safety is at risk, the officer may perform a quick pat-down to check for weapons. The frisk is limited in scope to discovering weapons and isn’t a full search for contraband or drugs. Because it’s grounded in reasonable suspicion rather than probable cause, and because it is a temporary, noninvasive action without a warrant, it fits a scenario beyond just traffic stops and does not require a warrant.