Probable Cause

Definition

Probable cause is a legal standard in which law enforcement authorities have reason to believe that a person should be arrested based on facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime has been committed.

Related terms

Fourth Amendment: This amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government.

Warrant: A legal document issued by a judge or magistrate, giving police permission to make an arrest, seizure, or search.

Reasonable Suspicion: A legal standard of proof in United States law that is less than probable cause but more than mere suspicion. It's enough for an officer to stop and question someone, but not enough for an arrest.