Home -> Law Dictionary -> P -> Probable Cause

Free US Law Dictionary

BETA

BROWSE TERMS: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Related Phrases

Probable Cause

Arrest warrant · Search warrant
Probable cause · Knock-and-announce
Exigent circumstance
Reasonable suspicion
Search and seizure · Search of persons
Arrest · Detention
Right to silence · Miranda warning (U.S.)
Grand jury

Criminal prosecution

Statute of limitations · Nolle prosequi
Bill of attainder · Ex post facto law
Criminal jurisdiction · Extradition
Habeas corpus · Bail
Inquisitorial system · Adversarial system

Charges and pleas

Arraignment · Information · Indictment
Plea · Peremptory plea
Nolo contendere (U.S.) · Plea bargain
Presentence Investigation

Related areas of law

Criminal defenses
Criminal law · Evidence
Civil procedure

Portals

Law · Criminal justice

In United States criminal law, probable cause refers to the standard by which a police officer has the right to make an arrest, conduct a personal or property search, or to obtain a warrant for arrest. It is also used to refer to the standard to which a grand jury believes that a crime has been committed. This term comes from the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution:

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.