Which of the following best describes a temporary seizure based on reasonable suspicion?

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A temporary seizure based on reasonable suspicion refers to a quick stop of an individual by law enforcement to ask questions when officers believe, based on specific and articulable facts, that the person may be involved in criminal activity. This type of seizure is often referred to as a "Terry stop," stemming from the Supreme Court's decision in Terry v. Ohio, which established that officers can conduct a brief investigative stop if they have reasonable suspicion that a person is engaged in criminal activity.

During such a stop, law enforcement does not need probable cause, which is required for an arrest, but must present reasonable suspicion based on observable behavior or circumstances. The primary purpose is to gather more information or to assess the situation further, which aligns with the concept of a temporary and limited intrusion on an individual's freedom.

In contrast, the other options describe actions that do not fit within the legal parameters of a temporary seizure. A full search of a person's property requires probable cause and often a warrant. Immediate detention for prosecution implies a more definitive action that goes beyond merely asking questions and indicates an arrest. A long-term investigation suggests an ongoing inquiry that lacks the immediacy and specific focus associated with a temporary seizure based on reasonable suspicion.

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