Totality of the circumstances is a legal standard used to review arrests and seizures of persons and property to determine whether probable cause or reasonable suspicion exists.

Question

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The "totality of the circumstances" standard allows courts to evaluate the overall situation, including all relevant circumstances, to determine if law enforcement had a sufficient basis, such as probable cause or reasonable suspicion, for an arrest or seizure. This approach ensures a comprehensive assessment rather than relying on any single factor.

Totality of the Circumstances Is a Legal Standard Used to Review