Law Homework Help

Law enforcement officers use two methods to investigate possible criminal activity: reasonable suspicion and probable cause. Reasonable suspicion means officers have a reasonable belief, sometimes called a hunch, that criminal activity may have occurred. They have no hard evidence to support their belief. Probable cause is more concrete. Probable cause means officers are not just suspicious that criminal activity has occurred; they think it’s likely, or probable, that criminal activity has taken place. Many times reasonable suspicion may evolve into probable cause. This is not always the case, however. Initial contact between an officer and a subject often involves reasonable suspicion rather than probable cause. 

This is a two-part assignment. Be sure to complete both parts.

Part 1

In Part 1 of this assignment you are required to write a one- to two-page narrative in which you: 

• Distinguish between reasonable suspicion and probable cause.

Part 2

For each scenario in the template:

1. Determine whether reasonable suspicion or probable cause applies to each scenario.
2. Justify your determinations.
3. Use three sources to support your writing.

• Cite each source listed on your source page at least one time within your assignment.
• For help with research, writing, and citation, access the library or review library guides.
• You may use your textbook as one of your resources.