probable cause

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.

probable cause

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of probable cause¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

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.

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According to a probable cause affidavit filed Friday, Fort Bend Sheriff’s Deputy Miguel Ramirez was dispatched to a residence at around 3:50 a.m. in response to a possible family violence situation.

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

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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.

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After a preliminary probable cause affidavit was filed by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on Saturday, Sanchez was charged with three misdemeanors — battery resulting in injury, unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication.

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