Which term describes the unnecessary stopping and questioning of individuals based solely on race or ethnicity?

The term that accurately describes the unnecessary stopping and questioning of individuals based solely on race or ethnicity is racial profiling. Racial profiling occurs when law enforcement or similar authorities make assumptions about an individual based on their racial or ethnic background rather than any specific evidence or behavior that indicates wrongdoing. This practice is widely criticized because it perpetuates stereotypes, undermines community trust, and violates individuals' rights.

In contrast, pretextual stops refer to a situation where law enforcement uses a minor violation as a justification to investigate more serious offenses, which may or may not involve racial considerations. Discrimination encompasses a broader range of unjust treatment based on various characteristics, not limited to race or ethnicity. Excessive force typically refers to the application of more physical power than is necessary in a given situation, which is a separate issue from the practice of stopping individuals based on race or ethnicity.