What is the legal standard for initiating a stop or search?

• A. Probable Cause
• B. Reasonable Articulable Suspicion
• C. Consent
• D. Hunch

Answer: (B)

Reasonable suspicion is the standard used to justify stopping someone and, in a limited way, searching during that stop. It requires specific facts and observations that an officer could articulate showing that criminal activity is afoot. It’s more than a guess but less than probable cause, which is needed for a full-blown arrest or broad search. The phrase “articulable” means the officer can describe concrete observations—like the person matching a description, acting unusually, or attempting to conceal something—that support the stop.

Probable cause is a higher bar used for making an arrest or conducting more intrusive searches. Consent is valid only if freely given. A mere hunch isn’t enough. Therefore, the best answer reflects the standard that guides when a stop or a limited search can be initiated.