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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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of probable cause¹

First recorded in 1670–80

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Tomas De Jesus, Ramirez’s cousin and his attorney, said authorities are accusing him of “resisting arrest, assaulting people” after agents barged into a private business, “without a warrant, without a probable cause.”

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Tomas De Jesus, Ramirez’s cousin and his attorney, said immigration agents had entered a private business, “without a warrant without a probable cause, to warrant entering into a place like that.”

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“My office prepared search warrants for particular businesses where there’s probable cause that they are using fictitious documents to employ people,” Essayli told the station.

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In probable cause statements filed in federal court, investigators wrote that the defendants laundered the money through multiple bank accounts and ultimately used the cash for personal expenses.

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There was no probable cause to prosecute Lau, according to the complaint.

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probable probable error

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