From which case are Terry stops derived?

Terry stops are derived from the case of Terry v. Ohio. This landmark decision established the legal standard for "stop and frisk" procedures, allowing law enforcement officers to stop an individual based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity and to perform a limited pat-down for weapons if they believe the person may be armed and dangerous.

The ruling emphasized the balance between a police officer’s need to maintain safety and the individual's Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The decision recognized that brief detentions, based on specific and articulable facts, do not violate the Fourth Amendment, thus setting a precedent that underpins how stops and searches are conducted in various law enforcement situations today.

Understanding Terry v. Ohio is fundamental in comprehending the dynamics of reasonable suspicion and the procedural protections afforded to individuals during police interactions.