Which term describes specific facts suggesting criminal activity may be occurring?

• A. Probable Cause
• B. Stop and Frisk
• C. Silver Platter Doctrine
• D. Reasonable Suspicion

Answer: (D)

Reasonable suspicion is the standard that lets an officer stop and briefly investigate when there are articulable facts suggesting that criminal activity may be afoot. It requires more than a hunch but less than probable cause, based on specific observations or behaviors in context. For example, someone loitering in a high-crime area, acting evasively, or concealing objects can provide enough facts for a reasonable officer to pause and investigate further.

Probable cause is a higher threshold, needed for arrests or searches, where there’s a fair probability that a crime has occurred or that evidence is present. Stop and Frisk refers to the action that may follow from reasonable suspicion—a temporary stop and a protective pat-down if justified—whereas the Silver Platter Doctrine deals with using state-obtained evidence in federal courts and isn’t about what justifies a stop.