Terry v. Ohio

What is Terry v. Ohio?

A 1968 U.S. Supreme Court decision that held that it is not a violation of the Fourth Amendment when a police officer stops a person on the street and frisks him if the police officer has a reasonable belief, based on articulable facts, that the person has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime.

Further Reading

For more detailed information, see our related Constitutional Law terms:

• "Open Fields" Doctrine
• 13th Amendment
• Mere Suspicion

Reviewed by

Stephanie Bagnall

Licensed Attorney and Legal Researcher

Stephanie Bagnall is a Georgia-licensed attorney and legal researcher with experience in accessibility law, compliance, employment law, and legal writing. She helps develop and review BarPrepHero's Legal Terms content for clarity, accuracy, and usefulness to bar exam students.

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