Which case law established the principle of 'stop and frisk'?

The principle of 'stop and frisk' was established by the case of Terry v. Ohio. In this landmark Supreme Court decision, the Court ruled that police officers have the authority to stop a person in a public place if they have a reasonable suspicion that the individual is engaged in criminal activity. Moreover, if the officer has a reasonable belief that the person may be armed and dangerous, they are allowed to conduct a pat-down or frisk for weapons.

This ruling is crucial because it balances the need for police officers to ensure their safety and the safety of the public with the Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. Terry v. Ohio set a precedent that allows law enforcement to take proactive measures to prevent crime while adhering to constitutional protections. This case has had a profound impact on policing practices and the legal standards surrounding stops and searches in the United States.