What legal principle is highlighted in Terry v. Ohio?

The legal principle highlighted in Terry v. Ohio is the concept of "stop and frisk," which allows law enforcement officers to stop a person and briefly detain them for questioning if the officer has a reasonable suspicion that criminal activity is afoot. The case established that police can conduct a limited pat-down search of a person's outer clothing for weapons if they reasonably believe the individual may be armed and dangerous.

This ruling balances law enforcement's need to ensure their safety and prevent crime against individual's Fourth Amendment rights, which protect against unreasonable searches and seizures. Terry v. Ohio is a significant case in the context of search and seizure law because it recognizes that even without probable cause, situations may justify an investigative stop and a limited frisk for weapons based on the officer's trained judgment and the circumstances at hand. Understanding this case is crucial for police officers and students in law enforcement as it provides a legal framework for conducting stops in a manner that is respectful of individuals' rights while still addressing public safety.