Answer :
Final answer:
The basis for stopping and frisking suspects is reasonable suspicion, a standard lower than probable cause, established by the Supreme Court in Terry v. Ohio (1968).
Explanation:
The basis for stopping and frisking suspects is reasonable suspicion. This legal standard, established by the Supreme Court in Terry v. Ohio (1968), allows police to stop and frisk individuals if they have a reasonable suspicion that someone has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime.
Reasonable suspicion is a lower standard than probable cause, which is generally required for issuing warrants or conducting searches under more pressing circumstances. The ruling in Terry v. Ohio also clarifies that police can use anything found during a stop-and-frisk if the person has an outstanding warrant, even if the initial stop was not underpinned by reasonable suspicion.
