PROBABLE CAUSE Definition & Meaning

probable cause

noun

Law.

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

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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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of probable cause¹

First recorded in 1670–80

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

ICE has also deported legitimate visa holders without explanation, detained German and British tourists, European legal residents, and who knows how many Latinos, legal and otherwise, without probable cause.

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Investigators lacked probable cause to arrest Calderon, who is homeless, in connection with the fire but held him on outstanding misdemeanor warrants.

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In October, lawyers for Teran argued in a filing to the Court of Appeal that there was not enough probable cause to continue the prosecution.

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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.”

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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.

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