What distinguishes "reasonable suspicion" from "probable cause"?

Reasonable suspicion and probable cause are two important legal standards in law enforcement, but they serve different purposes and have distinct thresholds.

The concept of reasonable suspicion is a lower standard compared to probable cause. It refers to the belief, based on specific and articulable facts, that a person may be involved in criminal activity. This standard allows law enforcement officers to briefly stop, question, and possibly search an individual without a warrant if they can point to particular facts or circumstances that justify their suspicions. For example, if an officer observes someone engaging in suspicious behavior in a high-crime area, that might establish reasonable suspicion.

On the other hand, probable cause is a higher standard of belief that more likely than not a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime will be found in a particular location. It is required for obtaining a search warrant or making an arrest. Probable cause needs to be based on a broader range of evidence, often requiring more substantial facts.

Therefore, distinguishing these standards is critical in understanding law enforcement procedures, constitutional rights, and how each applies in various scenarios, such as stops, searches, and arrests.