What legal standard must be met for a police officer to stop and briefly detain an individual according to Terry v. Ohio?

The correct answer, which reflects the legal standard established in Terry v. Ohio, is reasonable suspicion supported by articulable facts. This means that an officer must have specific and articulable reasons to believe that an individual is involved in criminal activity based on the totality of circumstances. This standard is lower than probable cause, which is required for arrests or more intrusive searches.

The significance of reasonable suspicion is that it allows officers to act on their observations and experiences in policing to prevent crime, ensuring that they are not left powerless when they have credible concerns about potential criminal behavior. This protection is essential in balancing the need for law enforcement to maintain public safety while respecting individual rights. The requirement for articulable facts ensures that officers cannot stop individuals based solely on hunches or vague suspicions, which promotes accountability and reduces the risk of arbitrary enforcement.

This standard is crucial for police practice because it provides guidelines for officers on when they can conduct stops while safeguarding against racial profiling and other discriminatory practices.