Reasonable suspicion is defined as?

• A. Facts, standing alone, which are not sufficient to indicate a crime has been committed but which indicate further investigation is warranted
• B. A belief that a crime has occurred
• C. Evidence beyond a reasonable doubt
• D. A court order

Answer: (A)

Reasonable suspicion is the level of justification for a brief investigative stop, based on specific, articulable facts that would lead a reasonable person to suspect that criminal activity is afoot. It’s enough to warrant a short detention and inquiry, but not enough to convict. The option that describes facts standing alone as not proving a crime yet justifying further investigation fits this idea exactly. It reflects that the officer must have concrete, observable factors and reasonable inferences, not just a guess. The other ideas describe a belief that a crime has occurred (which is stronger and not required for a stop), evidence beyond a reasonable doubt (the standard for conviction), or a court order (not what justifies a stop).