Ace the 2025 New Mexico LEOCE – Unleash Your Inner Law Enforcer!

The case of Terry v. Ohio addresses the concept of "stop and frisk," which involves a police officer's ability to stop a person based on reasonable suspicion that they are involved in criminal activity and to conduct a limited search for weapons if the officer believes the individual may be armed and dangerous. This ruling established the principle that law enforcement officers do not need a warrant or probable cause to conduct a brief stop and a protective frisk, as long as their suspicions are reasonable based on the circumstances.

The importance of this case lies in its balance between individual rights and public safety, outlining the legal standard for stops and the procedural safeguards that protect individuals from unlawful searches. By establishing this legal framework, the case sets the groundwork for how stop-and-frisk policies are implemented by law enforcement agencies while ensuring that constitutional rights are considered.