Investigatory Stops

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How do courts distinguish investigatory 'stops' from arrests?

By the presence of future interference with freedom of movement

By the duration of the intrusion upon the sanctity of the person

By the intention to vindicate society's interest in having its laws obeyed

By the level of intrusion upon individual freedom (correct)

What is the purpose of an arrest?

To conduct a protective search for weapons

To gather evidence of a crime

To serve society's interest in having its laws obeyed (correct)

To temporarily restrict an individual's freedom of movement

Why are investigative detentions considered unique and important in law enforcement activity?

Because they require a written warrant

Because they involve full searches for evidence of a crime

Because they allow for temporary stops and interviews (correct)

Because they are accompanied by future interference with freedom of movement

According to the Fourth Amendment, which of the following is true?

Only reasonable government searches and seizures are allowed Signup and view all the answers

In Terry v. Ohio, the United States Supreme Court addressed the circumstances in which a law enforcement officer may stop and question a suspect without consent. What did the Court consider when analyzing these circumstances?

The officer's personal safety Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard of belief required for an 'investigatory stop' to be conducted?

Reasonable suspicion Signup and view all the answers

When determining if an officer had a reasonable suspicion to support an investigative detention, what standard does the court use?

Objective standard Signup and view all the answers

What approach do officers use to determine whether they have a reasonable suspicion of legal wrongdoing?

The totality of the circumstances approach Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the protective frisk during an investigatory detention?

To ensure officer safety Signup and view all the answers

When can an officer conduct a protective frisk of a suspect's outer clothing?

When the officer has an objective reasonable suspicion that the individual is armed and presently dangerous Signup and view all the answers

What is the permissible scope of the protective frisk during an investigatory detention?

To uncover hidden weapons for the assault of the police officer Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances does a seizure register on the constitutional scale as a 'seizure'?

When it significantly interferes with the life, liberty, or property of a citizen Signup and view all the answers

What is the constitutional justification required for a lawful investigative detention?

Reasonable articulable suspicion Signup and view all the answers

What standard must the circumstances upon which officers rely meet to justify an investigative detention?

Reasonable suspicion of criminal activity Signup and view all the answers

When does a police-citizen encounter require a higher level of constitutional justification?

When it becomes more intrusive than an investigative detention Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a police-citizen encounter to be considered a 'seizure' under the Fourth Amendment?

Significant interference with a citizen's liberty Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a police-citizen encounter to be considered a 'mere inquiry' that does not require constitutional justification?

No significant interference with an individual's life, liberty or property Signup and view all the answers

When can a police officer conduct a protective frisk of a suspect's outer clothing?

During an investigatory detention Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances does an encounter between a citizen and an officer become a seizure?

When the officer engages in conduct that a reasonable person would view as threatening or offensive Signup and view all the answers

What tactics would be considered as turning an encounter into a seizure?

Pursuing a person who has attempted to terminate the contact by departing Signup and view all the answers

What is the required level of constitutional justification for a police-citizen encounter to be considered a seizure?

Justified by reasonable suspicion Signup and view all the answers

In the case United States v. Madden, when did a seizure occur?

When the officer directed Madden to sit in the back of his patrol car Signup and view all the answers

During a typical traffic stop, what information may a detaining officer request from the driver?

Driver's license, car registration, and insurance Signup and view all the answers

When can the scope of an investigative stop expand to include a new offense?

When the officer develops a reasonable articulable suspicion that another violation has occurred Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum duration of a detention during an investigative stop?

No longer than is necessary to effectuate the purpose of the stop Signup and view all the answers

When can a police officer continue to detain a person after the investigation of the conduct that initiated the stop has concluded?

If there is reasonable suspicion to believe that another offense has been or is being committed Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can a law enforcement officer conduct a temporary investigative detention of a person?

When the officer has reasonable suspicion based on specific and articulable facts Signup and view all the answers

What did the Supreme Court hold in Delaware v. Prouse regarding the temporary detention of motor vehicles?

The temporary detention of motor vehicles is unreasonable unless there is at least articulable suspicion of a violation of the law Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can a motor vehicle stop be conducted?

If the occupant is suspected of both a motor vehicle violation and criminal activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the expectation of privacy in a motor vehicle compared to a home?

The expectation of privacy in a motor vehicle is less than in a home Signup and view all the answers

What is the justification for conducting investigative detentions of vehicles?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the government interest in investigating an officer's reasonable suspicion during a motor vehicle stop?

To enforce regulations and controls on motor vehicles Signup and view all the answers