What best describes the difference between reasonable suspicion and probable cause?

What best describes the difference between reasonable suspicion and probable cause?

• A. Reasonable suspicion permits arrest
• B. Probable cause permits seizure but not arrest
• C. Reasonable suspicion permits seizure
• D. Both require warrants

Answer: (C)

In police encounters the level of justification matters for what can be done. Reasonable suspicion is the lower standard used to briefly detain someone for investigation—essentially a stop. Probable cause is the higher standard needed to justify an arrest or a search (usually with a warrant). So, the best description is that reasonable suspicion permits a seizure (a temporary stop for investigation). An arrest requires probable cause, not just reasonable suspicion, and a search generally requires probable cause (often with a warrant). It’s also incorrect to say both require warrants, since stops do not.

In police encounters the level of justification matters for what can be done. Reasonable suspicion is the lower standard used to briefly detain someone for investigation—essentially a stop. Probable cause is the higher standard needed to justify an arrest or a search (usually with a warrant). So, the best description is that reasonable suspicion permits a seizure (a temporary stop for investigation). An arrest requires probable cause, not just reasonable suspicion, and a search generally requires probable cause (often with a warrant). It’s also incorrect to say both require warrants, since stops do not.