Which statement correctly contrasts reasonable suspicion with probable cause?

Which statement correctly contrasts reasonable suspicion with probable cause?

• A. Reasonable suspicion is a general belief that a crime is in progress or has occurred; probable cause is a belief that a particular person has committed a specific crime.
• B. Reasonable suspicion requires a warrant; probable cause does not.
• C. Reasonable suspicion is a belief about evidence that will be found; probable cause is about the crime being in progress.
• D. Reasonable suspicion means probable cause and more; probable cause means mere rumors.

Answer: (A)

Reasonable suspicion is a lower investigative standard used to justify brief detentions or stops, based on specific, articulable facts that suggest criminal activity is afoot. It is about a general belief that something criminal is happening, not about proving who did what. Probable cause, by contrast, is a higher standard that requires a reasonable belief, based on facts and circumstances, that a particular person has committed a specific crime. This level of certainty justifies arrests and more substantial searches, often with warrants. The statement that best captures the contrast says that reasonable suspicion is a general belief that a crime is in progress or has occurred, while probable cause is a belief that a particular person has committed a specific crime. The other options misstate who is involved, the need for a warrant, or the nature of the evidence and purpose involved in these standards.

Reasonable suspicion is a lower investigative standard used to justify brief detentions or stops, based on specific, articulable facts that suggest criminal activity is afoot. It is about a general belief that something criminal is happening, not about proving who did what. Probable cause, by contrast, is a higher standard that requires a reasonable belief, based on facts and circumstances, that a particular person has committed a specific crime. This level of certainty justifies arrests and more substantial searches, often with warrants.

The statement that best captures the contrast says that reasonable suspicion is a general belief that a crime is in progress or has occurred, while probable cause is a belief that a particular person has committed a specific crime. The other options misstate who is involved, the need for a warrant, or the nature of the evidence and purpose involved in these standards.