What was established in the case Terry v. Ohio (1968)?

The landmark case Terry v. Ohio (1968) established the principle that law enforcement officers can conduct a limited search of a person's outer clothing, known as a "stop and frisk," if they have a reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous. This case created a significant precedent regarding the balance between individual rights and police authority. It allows officers to perform a brief detention and search for weapons without needing probable cause for an arrest, as long as they can articulate specific facts that led them to believe a crime is underway or that the individual poses a threat to their safety or the safety of others.

The nuances of this ruling clarify that while police can act on reasonable suspicion, they do not require the higher standard of probable cause typically necessary for more invasive searches or arrests. This distinction is crucial in understanding the limitations and responsibilities involved in police encounters with suspects.