Answer :
Final answer:
The justification for a frisk during a stop is based on reasonable suspicion the suspect is armed or presents a danger, as established by the Terry v. Ohio case. The answer is option c. Reasonable suspicion the suspect is armed or presents a danger.
Explanation:
The justification for a frisk during a stop is c. Reasonable suspicion the suspect is armed or presents a danger. According to the landmark Supreme Court case, Terry v. Ohio (1968), police can legally perform a stop and frisk if they have a reasonable suspicion that the person has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime. Furthermore, they are permitted to frisk the suspect for weapons if there is a reasonable suspicion that the suspect is armed and thereby presents a danger to the officer's safety or to the public. This standard is distinctly lower than probable cause, which is required for most searches conducted with a warrant or in situations of exigent circumstances.
