In Maryland v. Wilson (1997), what aspect of police authority was primarily examined?

In Maryland v. Wilson (1997), the primary focus was on the authority of law enforcement to order passengers out of a vehicle during a lawful traffic stop. The Supreme Court ruled that police officers have the discretion to remove passengers from a vehicle for their safety and the safety of others involved in the encounter. This ruling recognized that even if a passenger is not the subject of the enforcement action, the need to ensure officer safety and control the scene justifies this action.

The case highlighted the balance between individual rights and public safety interests in the context of police encounters during traffic stops. The decision clarified that officers could act on reasonable safety concerns, which allowed for the procedure of asking passengers to exit the vehicle. This ruling enhances the safety protocol for officers conducting traffic stops, reinforcing their ability to manage potentially dangerous situations effectively.