Author Question: Probable cause and reasonable suspicion differ in the degree of certainty and are used in different ... (Read 33 times)

Melani1276 · **on:** Aug 16, 2018

Probable cause and reasonable suspicion differ in the degree of certainty and are used in different situations. Explain the differences in degree of certainty and the situations in which the different levels of proof are required.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Discuss the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Alabama. v. White (1990) on reasonable suspicion. Explain why you agree or disagree with the majority position.

What will be an ideal response?

BAOCHAU2803 · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 16, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Probable cause and reasonable suspicion differ in degree of certainty, in that
probable cause is practically defined as more likely than not, while reasonable
suspicion is practically defined as less certain than probable cause, but more than
mere suspicion.. Probable cause is sufficient for arrest and for a warrant, while
reasonable suspicion is not sufficient for either an arrest or for a warrant.
Reasonable suspicion is sufficient for stop and frisk.

Answer to Question 2

In Alabama v. White (1990), the U.S. Supreme Court held that reasonable suspicion
is a less demanding standard than probable cause. Reasonable suspicion can arise
from information that is less reliable than for probable cause. I agree with the
majority position because it provides a clearer definition of reasonable suspicion and
its relationship to probable cause.