Which Supreme Court case established the criteria for a consensual encounter?

The Supreme Court case that established the criteria for a consensual encounter is Florida v. Royer. This case is crucial because it clarified the legal standards under which law enforcement officers may engage individuals in encounters that do not involve a seizure or stop under the Fourth Amendment.

In Florida v. Royer, the Court examined the circumstances surrounding the interaction between law enforcement and an individual at an airport. The ruling emphasized that for an encounter to be considered consensual, the person must be free to leave, and there cannot be any coercion or show of authority that would make a reasonable person feel they are not free to go. This decision highlighted that the totality of the circumstances must be assessed to determine whether a reasonable person would feel free to terminate the interaction.

Understanding the criteria set forth in this case is essential for law enforcement officers, as it provides guidelines for ensuring that their interactions with individuals comply with constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. This ruling has had a significant impact on subsequent legal decisions regarding consensual encounters and police conduct.