Understanding Arrest and Detention Law

What is the definition of an arrest?

• A temporary stop by police for questioning

• The taking of a person into custody by legal authority

• A search of a person’s property

• Issuing a traffic citation

Which of the following is required for a lawful arrest without a warrant?

• Probable cause

• Reasonable suspicion

• A judge’s order

• A written confession

What does “probable cause” mean in the context of an arrest?

• A hunch that someone committed a crime

• Sufficient facts and circumstances to believe a crime has been committed

• Permission from the suspect

• A minor suspicion

Which term describes the legal standard that is less than probable cause but more than a hunch?

• Reasonable suspicion

• Arrest

• Detention

• Warrant

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for obtaining an arrest warrant?

• Probable cause

• A judge’s approval

• The suspect’s consent

• A sworn statement

Which case established the standard for “stop and frisk” based on reasonable suspicion?

• Miranda v. Arizona

• Terry v. Ohio

• Mapp v. Ohio

• Gideon v. Wainwright

What is the main difference between a detention and an arrest?

• Detention is voluntary; arrest is not

• Detention is brief and for investigation; arrest involves taking into custody

• Detention requires a warrant; arrest does not

• There is no difference

A police officer sees someone acting suspiciously in a high-crime area. What legal standard must the officer meet to briefly detain the person for questioning?

• Probable cause

• Reasonable suspicion

• Beyond a reasonable doubt

• Preponderance of evidence

If an officer has probable cause but no warrant, in which situation can they make a lawful arrest?

• When the crime is a felony and committed in the officer’s presence

• Only with a judge’s permission

• Only if the suspect confesses

• Never

Which scenario best illustrates probable cause for an arrest?

• An officer sees a person running from a store with a bag after the alarm sounds

• An officer thinks someone “looks suspicious”

• An officer hears a rumor about a person

• An officer sees someone walking down the street