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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of probable cause

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

In order for charges to be filed, prosecutors would have to convince a grand jury, made up of members of the public, that probable cause exists to believe a crime has been committed.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Courts use formal standards of proof depending on the stakes, such as probable cause, preponderance of the evidence and beyond a reasonable doubt.

From Salon • May 12, 2026

It also says warrants need probable cause and must be particular about the place to be searched.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

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

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Starvation was posited as the most probable cause of death.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer