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

He resigned his judgeship in 2023 after he confirmed his relationship with Freeman to The Wall Street Journal and the federal appeals court that appointed him to the bench found probable cause he committed misconduct.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026

Night-time work is a probable cause of cancer globally, according to the UN's cancer research body, external.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

"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

And, to conduct that search, the police are going to need to prove probable cause that a crime occurred and that you were involved in it.

From Slate ● Jul. 1, 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