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

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

To secure an indictment, 12 members of a grand jury only need to vote for probable cause — not proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Read more on BBC

The report included decision-making and judgment, the monitoring of the other aircraft, and altitude among its findings for the crash’s probable cause.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Reasonable suspicion is a low bar—well below probable cause,” Solicitor Gen. D. John Sauer wrote in his appeal.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

By returning an indictment, the grand jury indicated that it believed federal prosecutors had proved that there is probable cause the defendants violated federal law and that the case can proceed to trial.

Read more on Los Angeles Times