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

He also alleged at the time that the officer had no probable cause to justify the search and expressed confidence that the case would “go nowhere.”

From Los Angeles Times

Recording a conclusion of accidental death, acting senior coroner Paul Bennett said the most probable cause of the fire was a flame from a lighter making contact with flammable material.

From BBC

There are still a lot of data and debris for the authorities to sort through before an answer is found, but True ranked disorientation as “a highly probable cause.”

From Los Angeles Times

The family later said the probable cause of his sudden cardiac arrest had been identified as an “anatomically and functionally significant congenital heart defect.”

From Los Angeles Times

To have defendants stand trial, prosecutors need only show probable cause that a crime was committed.

From Los Angeles Times