What does a "Terry stop" refer to?

A "Terry stop" refers specifically to a brief detention of an individual by law enforcement based on reasonable suspicion that the person is involved in criminal activity. This legal principle originates from the Supreme Court case Terry v. Ohio, where the Court ruled that police officers could stop and briefly question a person if they have a reasonable suspicion that the person is engaged in, or is about to engage in, criminal conduct.

This type of stop does not require the higher standard of probable cause, which is necessary for an arrest. Instead, reasonable suspicion is based on specific and articulable facts rather than just a vague hunch. The officer can also conduct a limited pat-down search for weapons if they have reason to believe the individual may be armed and dangerous. This principle allows law enforcement to ensure their safety and investigate suspicious behavior without the immediate need for a warrant or probable cause.