Define "reasonable suspicion."

Reasonable suspicion is defined as a belief based on specific facts that a law enforcement officer has that an individual may be involved in criminal activity. This concept is a critical legal standard that allows officers to stop and briefly detain a person for investigative purposes if they have a reasonable basis for suspecting that the individual is engaged in wrongdoing.

The key aspect of reasonable suspicion is that it must be grounded in particularized, objective facts rather than vague instincts or hunches. It serves as a lower standard than probable cause, which is necessary for obtaining a warrant or making an arrest. This distinction is significant in law enforcement; reasonable suspicion allows officers to act on suspicious behavior without meeting the more stringent requirements of probable cause.

This definition emphasizes the importance of specific, articulable facts that warrant the officer's suspicion, ensuring that the rights of individuals are protected while still allowing law enforcement to perform their duties effectively.