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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Terry stop
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A quick definition of Terry stop:
A Terry stop is when a police officer briefly stops and questions a person they suspect may have committed or is about to commit a crime. The officer may also search the person for a concealed weapon. This can be done without a warrant or probable cause, but only if the officer has a reasonable suspicion. The Supreme Court has ruled that this type of stop is constitutional, as long as it is based on reasonable suspicion. It is also known as an investigatory stop, field stop, or investigatory defense.
A more thorough explanation:
A Terry stop is when a police officer briefly detains, questions, and searches a person for a concealed weapon if they have a reasonable suspicion that the person has committed or is about to commit a crime. This can be done without a warrant or probable cause.
For example, if a police officer sees someone acting suspiciously near a store that has just been robbed, they may perform a Terry stop to search for any weapons that could have been used in the crime.
The Supreme Court ruled in Terry v. Ohio that this type of stop and frisk is constitutional as long as the officer has reasonable suspicion. It is also known as an investigatory stop, field stop, or investigatory defense.
Overall, a Terry stop is a way for police officers to quickly investigate potential criminal activity and ensure public safety.