PROBABLE CAUSE Meaning and
Definition
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Probable cause is a legal term that refers to the standard of evidence required to justify a law enforcement officer's seizure, search, or arrest of an individual, or the issuance of a search warrant. It is a crucial component of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Probable cause is defined as a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed, is being committed, or will be committed by a specific person or at a specific location. It requires more than mere suspicion, but less evidence than what is necessary for a conviction. The determination of probable cause is based on the facts and circumstances known to the officer at the time, and it requires objective indications or reasonable inferences that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a crime has occurred.
To establish probable cause, an officer must rely on specific and articulable facts, such as observations, witness statements, confidential informants, or other reliable sources of information. The information gathered must also be credible and reliable, rather than mere rumors or hearsay.
Probable cause serves as a crucial safeguard against unwarranted invasions of privacy and arbitrary government actions. It ensures that law enforcement officers have legitimate reasons for interfering with an individual's liberty or property rights. If probable cause is lacking, any evidence obtained as a result of an unlawful seizure or search may be suppressed in court, as it would be in violation of an individual's constitutional rights.
Common Misspellings for PROBABLE CAUSE
- orobable cause
- lrobable cause
- -robable cause
- 0robable cause
- peobable cause
- pdobable cause
- pfobable cause
- ptobable cause
- p5obable cause
- p4obable cause
- pribable cause
- prkbable cause
- prlbable cause
- prpbable cause
- pr0bable cause
- pr9bable cause
- provable cause
- pronable cause
- prohable cause
- progable cause
Etymology of PROBABLE CAUSE
The word "probable" derives from the Latin word "probabilis", which means "worthy of approval" or "likely". It comes from the verb "probare", which means "to prove or to test". The term "cause" comes from the Latin word "causa", meaning "reason" or "cause".
The concept of "probable cause" originated in English common law and has been a fundamental principle in legal systems influenced by English law. It refers to the existence of facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a crime has been, is being, or will be committed. The term "probable cause" was first used explicitly in legal contexts in the 14th century, and it has since become a crucial requirement for authorizing various actions like arrests, searches, and seizures, ensuring the protection of individuals' rights.
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