Law enforcement has a limited right to stop people on the street and frisk them. Learn about how the police can use certain types of evidence as a way to search people out in public.
Arrest vs. Detention: How to Tell Whether You've Been Arrested or Detained
In general, if a reasonable person in the suspect’s shoes wouldn’t feel free to leave an encounter with the police, then there’s been either a detention or an arrest. Determining which can be tough—and sometimes crucial.
The Difference Between a Police "Search" and a Police "Frisk"
A search is more extensive than a frisk--but the line can be hard to draw.
Limits to Frisks by Police Officers
An officer who has a reasonable suspicion that you have committed or are in the process of committing a crime h
Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard that applies in different criminal-law contexts, most often where searches and seizures are involved.
What’s the Difference Between an Arrest and a Detention?
The difference between an arrest and detention can be crucial in evaluating a person's constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment.