What legal doctrine allows officers to stop and briefly detain a person?

The "Terry stop" doctrine is the legal principle that permits law enforcement officers to stop and briefly detain an individual if they have a reasonable suspicion that the person is involved in criminal activity. This doctrine stems from the landmark Supreme Court case Terry v. Ohio, where the Court ruled that police are allowed to conduct brief detentions for investigative purposes without a warrant, provided they have specific and articulable facts to justify the stop.

This approach balances the need for effective law enforcement with individual rights, as it does not require the probable cause necessary for an arrest. The "Terry stop" is often followed by a limited pat-down for weapons if the officer has a reasonable belief that the person may be armed and dangerous. This protective element ensures the safety of the officer and those around them during the detention.

In contrast, probable cause relates to the legal standard that must be met before a formal arrest is made, while Miranda rights are the protections afforded to individuals upon arrest, informing them of their rights to remain silent and to have legal counsel. The exclusionary rule pertains to the prohibition of using evidence obtained in violation of a person's Fourth Amendment rights in court proceedings. Each of these concepts serves different aspects of law enforcement and legal procedure, while the "T