Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

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Enhance your knowledge for the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy Test. Use multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to prepare effectively for your exam!

Practice this question and more.

What was the ruling of Prouse v. Delaware (1976) regarding police stops?

Police can stop anyone without suspicion
Police must have reasonable suspicion to check a driver's license
Drivers must display their registration at all times
Traffic stops can happen without any reason

The correct answer is: Police must have reasonable suspicion to check a driver's license

The ruling in Prouse v. Delaware established that police officers are required to have reasonable suspicion before stopping a vehicle to check a driver's license and registration. This decision is rooted in the protection of Fourth Amendment rights, which guard against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Supreme Court emphasized that random stops without any basis of suspicion would be unconstitutional, as they infringe upon individuals' rights to privacy and freedom from arbitrary interference. Reasonable suspicion involves having a particularized and objective basis for suspecting a person of criminal activity, which ensures that law enforcement actions are grounded in facts rather than mere hunches or generalized fears. This ruling thus reinforces the necessity for police to balance their law enforcement duties with respect for constitutional protections.