In which case did the Supreme Court clarify the definition of "reasonable suspicion"?

Study for the Police Academy Case Law Test. Practice with multiple choice questions, each question comes with explanations. Prepare for your exam now!

The case that clarified the definition of "reasonable suspicion" is Alabama v. White. In this decision, the Supreme Court examined the standards for police to conduct stop-and-frisk procedures. The ruling emphasized that reasonable suspicion requires specific articulable facts, which must be based on the totality of the circumstances. The Court distinguished reasonable suspicion from the higher standard of probable cause, stating that reasonable suspicion could be formed by considering a variety of factors, including the behavior of an individual and the context of the encounter.

While other cases on the list dealt with important aspects of law enforcement and individual rights, Alabama v. White specifically addressed and refined the concept of reasonable suspicion, making it essential for police practices regarding stops and searches. This case underscored that police officers must have more than a mere hunch; there must be particular and objective facts leading to a suspicion of criminal activity.

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