MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

Under what condition may a vehicle be stopped according to the legal precedent set in People v. Peebles?

1. For probable cause alone without reasonable suspicion

2. When there is reasonable suspicion

3. Only with a warrant present

4. Based on the officer's discretion alone

The correct answer is: When there is reasonable suspicion

The correct choice is based on the legal principle established in People v. Peebles, which asserts that a law enforcement officer can stop a vehicle when there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. Reasonable suspicion is a standard that is lower than probable cause, allowing officers to act on specific, articulable facts and circumstances that suggest a person may be involved in illegal activities. This standard aims to balance individual rights with public safety by allowing officers to intervene when they have a valid basis for their suspicions, rather than requiring the higher threshold of probable cause that is necessary for arrest or search warrants. The decision in People v. Peebles underscores the importance of reasonable suspicion as a vital tool for law enforcement in proactively addressing potential criminal behavior while adhering to legal standards. In this context, stopping a vehicle based solely on unlikely factors such as a mere hunch or an officer's discretion without any reasonable basis would not satisfy the legal requirements for a lawful stop.