Stops, Frisks, and Detentions

When is a stop valid? What is its purpose?
When is a frisk valid? What is its purpose?
“An officer who makes a valid stop can automatically conduct a valid frisk.” Is this statement true or false? Explain your answer.
What is reasonable suspicion? How does it differ from probable cause?
Are the terms seizure and arrest similar or different? Justify your answer and give examples.
What is the proper legal test to determine whether a person has been seized under the Fourth Amendment and therefore is entitled to constitutional protection?
Assume you are a police officer who is detaining a suspect. What standard will you use to determine if the detention is still a valid detention or if it has turned into an arrest?
Identify the four elements of an arrest, and then give an example of each element.

Solution Preview

Stops, Frisks, and Detention
Question one
When a police officer is justified and has a reasonable suspicion in his/her light of experience, that criminal acts are about to happen or have already happened is when a stop is valid. Its purpose is to forestall any criminal act or respond to a criminal activity that has already occurred.

(697 words)