Final answer:
The decision in Pennsylvania v. Mimms authorizes a police officer to order a driver out of a car during a traffic stop, as long as there is a reasonable belief that the driver poses a danger to the officer's safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decision in Pennsylvania v. Mimms authorizes a police officer to order a driver out of a car. This ruling is based on the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. In this case, the Court determined that when a driver is lawfully stopped for a traffic violation, an officer can order the driver out of the car as long as there is a reasonable belief that the driver poses a danger to the officer's safety.
This ruling is important because it affects the authority of law enforcement officers during traffic stops. It allows officers to take reasonable measures to ensure their safety when interacting with individuals during routine traffic stops, despite lacking reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. However, it is crucial for officers to exercise this authority appropriately and within the bounds of the law.
Learn more about The authority of police officers during traffic stops