Which Supreme Court case addresses the authority of officers to order passengers out of a vehicle?

Prepare for the HCSO Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) Test. Study with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

The Supreme Court case Maryland v. Wilson specifically addresses the authority of law enforcement officers to order passengers out of a vehicle during a lawful traffic stop. In this decision, the Court held that officers can require passengers to exit the vehicle for safety reasons, citing the potential risks posed to officers during stops and the need for personal safety. This ruling recognizes that a traffic stop is inherently a confrontational situation and allows officers to ensure their own safety by gaining control of the situation.

The other cases do not focus on this particular issue. Miranda v. Arizona pertains to the rights of individuals during custodial interrogation and their right to be informed of these rights. Gideon v. Wainwright is about the right to counsel for defendants who cannot afford an attorney, which does not deal with traffic stops or vehicle authority. Terry v. Ohio relates to the authority of officers to stop and frisk individuals based on reasonable suspicion but does not specifically address the dynamics of passenger behavior in vehicles.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy