What must be proven for a pat down to be considered lawful?

For a pat down to be considered lawful, it is essential to demonstrate reasonable suspicion of a weapon. The legal standard for this is rooted in the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. The concept of "stop and frisk," established in the landmark case of Terry v. Ohio, allows law enforcement officers to briefly stop a person for questioning if they have reasonable suspicion that the individual may be involved in criminal activity.

Furthermore, if an officer has a reasonable belief that the person is armed and dangerous, that suspicion justifies a limited pat down for weapons to ensure the safety of the officer and others in the vicinity. This search is not intended to uncover evidence of a crime (like illegal drugs or other contraband) but rather to confirm or dispel fears about potential harm. This necessity for a genuine concern about weapons distinguishes a lawful pat down from a more invasive search without sufficient cause.