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 plaintiff like Gonzalez needs to show that law enforcement lacked even probable cause for an arrest.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

In the March 4 letter to Bianco, the attorney general said he had “serious concerns” about whether the sheriff had probable cause to seize the election materials.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

The FBI said in an affidavit that there was probable cause to believe Natanson’s devices contained classified information, potentially including yet-to-be-published information that could “harm national security.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

“I don’t think that’s enough for probable cause for a homicide,” she said in asking Robert J. Totten, the Juvenile Court commissioner, to dismiss the case.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

“Not long after they’d taken Cloke into custody. They told Henry they had enough probable cause to arrest half a dozen people, including himself, either for conspiracy or withholding evidence.”

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt