If an officer stops or arrests someone based on their race or ethnicity, this is an example of what?

Racial profiling refers specifically to the practice of targeting individuals for law enforcement action based solely on their race or ethnicity rather than on any specific evidence or behavior that would warrant such action. This practice is based on preconceived notions or stereotypes about certain racial or ethnic groups, which can lead to unjust treatment in the criminal justice system. It is viewed as a violation of civil rights and is widely criticized for fostering inequality and mistrust between law enforcement and communities.

The other options, while related, do not precisely capture the essence of the situation. Discriminatory practices encompass a broader range of behaviors that result in unfair treatment, not limited to law enforcement. Unlawful search pertains to the violation of Fourth Amendment rights regarding search and seizure and does not directly address the aspect of targeting based on race. Bias-based policing also indicates a broader concept relating to any prejudicial action taken by law enforcement due to bias, not exclusively defined by race or ethnicity.

In this specific scenario, the focus on race or ethnicity as the sole factor for stopping or arresting someone distinctly identifies it as racial profiling.