What is a pretext stop defined as?

A pretext stop is defined as a stop where law enforcement officers use a minor violation as a justification to investigate a larger suspected crime. This type of stop involves an officer pulling over a vehicle for a relatively minor traffic infraction—such as failing to signal a turn—while they are actually interested in investigating something they suspect is much more serious, like drug trafficking or possession of illegal firearms.

This approach is often analyzed in legal contexts because it raises important questions about the balance between effective law enforcement practices and individuals' rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. The use of minor infractions as a pretext can be controversial, as it may lead to perceived racial profiling or unwarranted stops based on suspicion rather than concrete evidence.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of a pretext stop. A stop for an actual crime committed refers to situations where law enforcement has genuine evidence of criminal activity, which does not align with the idea of using a minor violation simply as a cover for investigating other suspected criminal actions. An illegal stop without reason suggests a complete absence of justification, which does not accurately encapsulate the legal nuance involved in pretext stops—there is always at least a minor reason given. Lastly, restricting pretext stops to only traffic violations is