What does stop-and-frisk authorize?

• A. A full body cavity search
• B. Pat down the clothing of people on the street if there is reasonable suspicion of dangerous criminal activity
• C. Arrest without probable cause
• D. Search a vehicle without consent

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is that stop-and-frisk allows a brief, street-level detention with a protective pat-down of the outer clothing when there is reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and dangerous. This purpose is safety-focused and the frisk is limited in scope to checking for weapons; it is not a full search for evidence. The reason this is the best answer is that it correctly captures the protective pat-down that may be conducted during a Terry stop when the officer reasonably believes the individual might be armed. If a weapon is found, it can be seized, and the stop may lead to further action, but the frisk itself remains narrowly limited to weapons. The other options describe actions that stop-and-frisk does not authorize: a full body cavity search goes beyond what a frisk permits; arrest without probable cause is not allowed during a stop, which relies on reasonable suspicion, not probable cause; and searching a vehicle without consent or probable cause is a separate matter and not part of the stop-and-frisk rule.