Legal Definitions - stop

Stop

In legal terms, particularly under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, a "stop" refers to a brief, temporary detention of an individual by law enforcement. It occurs when a police officer, based on a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, temporarily restricts a person's freedom to leave or walk away. This is a less intrusive action than a full arrest, but it still requires a legal justification.

• Example 1: Traffic Stop

  A police officer observes a car speeding significantly above the limit on a residential street. The officer activates their lights and siren, signaling the driver to pull over to the side of the road. Once the car is stopped, the officer approaches the vehicle to speak with the driver.

  How this illustrates a "stop": The driver is temporarily prevented from continuing their journey and is not free to leave while the officer investigates the suspected traffic violation. Their movement is restrained by the officer's authority and the legal requirement to comply with a traffic stop.

• Example 2: Pedestrian Encounter

  An officer is patrolling a commercial district late at night and notices an individual attempting to pry open the back door of a closed electronics store. As the officer approaches, the individual quickly drops the tool and tries to walk away. The officer calls out, "Hey, stop right there! What are you doing?"

  How this illustrates a "stop": The individual is temporarily detained and not free to walk away while the officer investigates the suspicious activity. The officer's command and subsequent questioning create a temporary restraint on the person's freedom of movement, based on a reasonable suspicion of attempted burglary.