What is the legal standard required to stop and detain an individual?

The legal standard required to stop and detain an individual is reasonable suspicion. This standard is established under the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Reasonable suspicion allows law enforcement officers to stop and briefly detain a person for questioning or investigation when they have specific and articulable facts that suggest the individual may be involved in criminal activity.

This standard is less stringent than probable cause, which is required for making an arrest or conducting search warrants. Reasonable suspicion is based on the officer's observations, experience, and the totality of the circumstances, allowing for a brief investigative stop, but not necessarily leading to a full arrest.

In contrast, the other options—probable cause, clear and convincing evidence, and preponderance of the evidence—represent higher legal thresholds for different legal actions, such as making arrests or securing convictions. Each of these standards serves distinct purposes within the legal framework, making reasonable suspicion the appropriate choice for the context of stopping and detaining an individual.