Differentiate between reasonable suspicion and probable cause and indicate where each applies.

• A. Reasonable suspicion requires a warrant; probable cause does not.
• B. Reasonable suspicion is enough for searches; probable cause is necessary for detentions.
• C. Reasonable suspicion justifies brief detentions for investigation; probable cause justifies arrests or searches.
• D. Reasonable suspicion qualifies a full arrest; probable cause only allows detentions.

Answer: (C)

Reasonable suspicion is the minimum level of justification needed to briefly detain someone for investigation. It must be based on specific, articulable facts and reasonable inferences from those facts, not just a hunch. This allows a temporary stop to question a person or to conduct a limited frisk if there’s a reasonable belief the person may be armed. It does not authorize an arrest or a broad search.

Probable cause, by contrast, is a higher standard. It requires a reasonable belief, based on the totality of the circumstances, that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime will be found in a particular place. This level of belief justifies more intrusive actions, such as arresting a person or conducting a search (typically with a warrant, though certain warranted, warrantless searches are allowed under specific exceptions).

So, the best fit is that reasonable suspicion justifies brief detentions for investigation, while probable cause justifies arrests or searches.