What constitutes a "stop and frisk" under Terry v. Ohio?

A "stop and frisk" under Terry v. Ohio is characterized by a brief detention of a person, coupled with a limited pat-down for weapons. This legal standard arises from the need for law enforcement officers to ensure their safety when they have reasonable suspicion that a person may be armed and dangerous. The key aspect of this procedure is that it allows officers to detain an individual temporarily, without the need for a warrant or probable cause, provided they have specific and articulable facts that justify their suspicions.

The pat-down, or frisk, is intended solely to ensure that the individual does not possess any weapons that could pose a threat to the officer's safety or the safety of others nearby. This is a preventive measure rather than a full search for evidence of a crime. The decision in Terry v. Ohio balances the need for effective law enforcement with the constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

In this context, options such as a full search of a vehicle, an arrest without a warrant, or a search based solely on anonymous tips do not align with the principles established in Terry v. Ohio. These options either expand the scope beyond what is constitutionally permitted for a stop and frisk or lack the necessary basis of reasonable suspicion, which is essential for a