United States v. Sokolow

United States v. Sokolow is a 1989 Supreme Court case that clarified law enforcement's ability to detain individuals based on reasonable suspicion. In this case, the police stopped a man at an airport, believing he was involved in drug trafficking due to his suspicious behavior and travel patterns. The Court ruled that the totality of circumstances, including travelers' behaviors and background, can justify reasonable suspicion. This decision emphasizes that officers can act based on a combination of observed behaviors even if none alone would warrant suspicion, balancing public safety against individuals' rights.