High School

What is the difference between probable cause and reasonable suspicion?

A. A search warrant can only be issued with reasonable suspicion.

B. Probable cause is the level of evidence schools need, but police need to have reasonable suspicion.

C. With probable cause, there is actual knowledge that a crime has been committed; with reasonable suspicion, there is not actual knowledge.

D. Reasonable suspicion is actual knowledge that a crime has been committed, and probable cause means that a crime has probably been committed.

Answer :

Final answer:

Probable cause is the legal standard requiring evidence that a crime has occurred for law enforcement to obtain a warrant, while reasonable suspicion allows police to stop and briefly investigate based on specific observations. This difference is crucial in understanding the legal parameters around searches and stops. Both standards are important in protecting citizens' rights against unlawful searches.


Explanation:

Understanding the Difference between Probable Cause and Reasonable Suspicion

In the field of law, understanding the differences between probable cause and reasonable suspicion is essential, particularly in law enforcement contexts.

Probable Cause is the legal standard that law enforcement officers must meet in order to obtain a warrant or to justify searching someone’s property. This means they need to demonstrate to a judge that there is a good reason to believe that a crime has been committed or will be committed, and that evidence of this crime can be found during the search.

Conversely, Reasonable Suspicion is a lower standard. It allows police to stop and briefly detain a person if they have a specific and articulable reason to suspect that the person is involved in criminal activity. This concept was solidified in the Supreme Court case Terry v. Ohio (1968), where the Court ruled that police can stop and frisk individuals if they suspect they are involved in a crime, even if they do not have probable cause.

In summary:

  1. Probable cause requires evidence to believe a crime has occurred.
  2. Reasonable suspicion allows for a brief stop based on specific facts indicating potential criminal activity.
  3. Schools need reasonable suspicion to search students, while police need probable cause for arrests and searches.

Learn more about Legal Standards here:

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