Which legal standard justifies a stop in stop-and-frisk encounters?

• A. Reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.
• B. Probable cause.
• C. A mere hunch.
• D. A warrant is required.

Answer: (A)

Reasonable suspicion of criminal activity is the standard that justifies a stop in stop-and-frisk encounters. This is a concrete, objective assessment based on the totality of the circumstances—specific facts that would lead a reasonably cautious officer to suspect involvement in criminal activity. It’s higher than a mere hunch but lower than probable cause, and it allows a temporary detention without a warrant. A frisk for weapons may follow if there’s reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous. By contrast, probable cause is needed for arrest or searches with a warrant, and a mere hunch isn’t enough to justify any stop.