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

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

“There was not probable cause to search the virtual private papers of every single person within the geofence merely because of their proximity to the crime.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 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

Starvation was posited as the most probable cause of death.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer