What requirement is established by the ruling in Terry v. Ohio for conducting a frisk?

The ruling in Terry v. Ohio established that law enforcement officers may conduct a frisk, or a limited pat-down of an individual’s outer clothing, when they have reasonable suspicion that the individual is armed and dangerous. This requirement is critical because it strikes a balance between the need for police to protect themselves and others during a stop and the Fourth Amendment rights of individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Reasonable suspicion is a lower standard than probable cause, allowing officers to act based on specific and articulable facts rather than needing full evidence of a crime or danger. This standard recognizes that officers often operate in unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations where assessing immediate threats is essential. As a result, the ability to conduct a frisk when there is reasonable suspicion of a weapon is integral to ensuring safety during a police encounter.