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 was not selling “loosies” that day, no cigarettes were found on his person, and thus there was no probable cause in play.

From The Daily Beast

The goal should be to determine probable cause for change in how we police ourselves everywhere.

From The Daily Beast

But “reasonable suspicion” is not the same thing as probable cause.

From The Daily Beast

But interest does not translate into probable cause without evidence.

From The Daily Beast

For a third time, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of searching a person without probable cause.

From The Daily Beast

Finding Miss Grieve in an unusually amiable mood, I inquired the probable cause of this phenomenon.

From Project Gutenberg

One or two of the men who knew Burns least looked as if they could tell what was the probable cause of such loss of control.

From Project Gutenberg

Aside from that, she could think of no probable cause she had given for offense.

From Project Gutenberg

This will give a better idea of the beautiful, and point out its probable cause better, than almost anything else.

From Project Gutenberg

In vain I attempted to reason on the probable cause of my being thus entombed.

From Project Gutenberg