What does the term 'seizure' relate to in the context of Terry v. Ohio?

In the context of Terry v. Ohio, the term 'seizure' specifically refers to a significant deprivation of freedom of movement. This landmark Supreme Court case established the legal standard allowing law enforcement officers to stop and briefly detain individuals for questioning if they have a reasonable suspicion that the person is involved in criminal activity. The ruling emphasized that when an officer stops a person and restricts their movement, this constitutes a 'seizure' under the Fourth Amendment.

The key aspect of this case is that a seizure does not necessarily require an arrest or a warrant; it can occur as a brief detention. This principle underscores that even temporary restrictions on an individual's movement, which may not lead to an arrest or formal charges, are still considered a seizure. The importance of this definition lies in balancing an individual's constitutional rights against the need for police to act on their suspicions to prevent crime.