What was the outcome of the Terry v. Ohio case?

The outcome of the Terry v. Ohio case upheld the use of stop and frisk procedures, which are preventative measures that allow police officers to stop a person based on reasonable suspicion and conduct a limited search for weapons. This landmark Supreme Court decision recognized that officers have the authority to ensure their own safety and the safety of others when there is a reasonable belief that a person may be armed and dangerous.

The Court ruled that the Fourth Amendment permits a brief, investigatory stop if the officer has a reasonable suspicion based on specific and articulable facts that the person is involved in criminal activity. This case established a balance between individual rights and law enforcement's need to protect themselves and the public, making it a pivotal moment in policing practices.

Understanding the implications of this ruling helps clarify the standards for police encounters and the constitutional considerations involved in the balance of safety and personal freedoms.