The dictionary on my MacBook Pro defines pretext as "a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason." Consider the following scenario: If a cop thinks you have pot in your car and wants to stop you, can he use a minor traffic infraction to pull you over? The Supreme Court, in Whren v. United States, says YES. So long as a cop has … [Read more...] about Pretextual stops — or — Why cops can use a minor traffic infraction as an excuse to stop you in hopes they can bust you for another more serious crime