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

A probable cause conference was scheduled for Jan. 22.

From Los Angeles Times

Its operations are governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and its role is to investigate whether there is probable cause to determine that a person has violated the criminal laws.

From Salon

The NTSB’s preliminary report stopped short of identifying what led to the metal components showing signs of fatigue and stress, or identifying a probable cause.

From The Wall Street Journal

“There is no other clear probable cause at this point,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Last week, Halligan fired two veteran prosecutors based in Norfolk who had said they hadn’t found probable cause to bring charges against James, people familiar with the matter said.

From The Wall Street Journal