Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: maritime-connection doctrine
Term: STOP
Definition: When a police officer stops someone, it means they are not allowed to leave. This is called a "temporary restraint." It's like when your mom or dad tells you to stop and stay where you are. The police officer needs a good reason to stop someone, and they can't keep them there for too long without a good reason.
Definition: A stop is a temporary restraint that prevents a person from walking away. This is a legal term used under the Fourth Amendment.
Example: A police officer stops a person on the street and asks to see their identification.
Explanation: In this example, the police officer has temporarily restrained the person from walking away by stopping them on the street. The officer is allowed to do this under certain circumstances, such as if they have reasonable suspicion that the person has committed a crime or is about to commit a crime.
Example: A security guard stops a shoplifter from leaving the store.
Explanation: In this example, the security guard has temporarily restrained the shoplifter from walking away by stopping them from leaving the store. This is a form of stop that is allowed under the law to prevent theft or other crimes from occurring.