Also known as: stops · stopped · stopping · police stop · traffic stop · stop order · stop payment
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
2 senses
An investigative detention by police that temporarily restrains a person's liberty on the basis of reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. The detention must be brief and limited in scope to the justification for the stop.
An investigative detention by police that temporarily restrains a person's liberty on the basis of reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. The detention must be brief and limited in scope to the justification for the stop.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
A seller's right to halt delivery of goods in the possession of a carrier or bailee upon discovering the buyer's insolvency or repudiation.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
A seller's right to halt delivery of goods in the possession of a carrier or bailee upon discovering the buyer's insolvency or repudiation.
Each sense below has its own examples, sources, and questions.
Sasha Stone receives an anonymous call describing a suspect's car and predicting its route to a known drug location. Officers observe the car follow the predicted path exactly. The accurate prediction supplies the reliability needed for reasonable suspicion, so the officers may conduct a brief stop to investigate.
Sylvia Santos is pulled over for a broken taillight even though the officer suspects drug activity. The objective traffic violation supplies probable cause, so the stop is lawful regardless of the officer's additional motive.
Serena Soto alleges officers lacked reasonable suspicion for a street stop but offers only conclusory assertions. The complaint fails to plead facts showing the stop was unsupported, so the claim is subject to dismissal.
Steven Silva is stopped on the street and then taken to the station for questioning. Because he is now in custody, officers must give Miranda warnings before interrogation or the statements are inadmissible.
Reasonable suspicion of criminal activity is required. An anonymous tip can supply that suspicion when it accurately predicts the suspect's future movements, indicating inside knowledge.
Supporting sources
No. A traffic stop supported by probable cause remains valid regardless of pretextual motives under the Fourth Amendment.
Supporting sources
Generally no. Automobile stops ordinarily require reasonable suspicion unless conducted under a neutral plan serving highway safety or special needs.
Supporting sources
Seth Shapiro sells electronics to Sierra Solutions on credit. Before the carrier delivers the goods, Shapiro learns Sierra Solutions is insolvent. Shapiro notifies the carrier to stop delivery, exercising the statutory right to reclaim the shipment.
Sierra Santos's ship is detained in port under an embargo. The vessel stays stopped pending resolution of the prize proceedings, preventing further movement of the cargo.
A seller may stop delivery upon discovering the buyer's insolvency or repudiation before the goods reach the buyer. Notice must enable the bailee to prevent delivery by reasonable diligence.
Supporting sources
…procedures no matter how medically urgent the case. Although the District Court granted appellant Roe declaratory relief, it stopped short of issuing an injunction against enforcement of the Texas statutes. The Court has recognized that different considerations enter into a federal court's decision as to declaratory…