probable cause

American  

noun

Law.

1. reasonable ground for a belief, as, in a criminal case, that the accused was guilty of the crime, or, in a civil case, that grounds for the action existed: used especially as a defense to an action for malicious prosecution.

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probable cause British  

noun

1. law reasonable grounds for holding a belief, esp such as will justify bringing legal proceedings against a person or will constitute a defence to a charge of malicious prosecution

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Etymology

Origin of probable cause

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

probable cause

"We believe we will more than accomplish the evidentiary burden of probable cause at this point to hold David to answer on these three felony charges," Hochman told the press.

From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026

But Albany County Circuit Court Judge Robert Sanford, who presided over Kelver’s pretrial hearing, agreed with the prosecutor that there was probable cause that Kelver committed the crimes with which she was charged.

From Slate ● Jun. 4, 2026

The government said in court that the immigration sweeps are “based on reasonable suspicion and probable cause and the Constitution.”

From Salon ● May 24, 2026

That brings the total number of cases of hantavirus to nine, seven laboratory confirmed and two probable cause, including three deaths.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 11, 2026

I knew that he had no probable cause to enter my vehicle and that he was conducting an illegal search.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson