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

Cervantes accuses officers of pushing forward with an arrest despite lacking probable cause and building a case against her based on false statements.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

“Search warrants are untested, one-sided presentations meant to establish probable cause, one of the lowest standards of proof in law,” they wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Outside of court, however, McLaughlin kept contradicting them, asserting over and over again that immigration agents did not require probable cause to arrest a person suspected of lacking lawful status.

From Slate • Feb. 18, 2026

It is not known what evidence the federal government used to show probable cause for the raid because the underlying affidavit was sealed.

From Salon • Feb. 10, 2026

The prosecutor is also free to file more charges against a defendant than can realistically be proven in court, so long as probable cause arguably exists.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander