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Glam Journal

Probable cause - How To Discuss

Author

Andrew Henderson

Updated on May 28, 2026

Probable cause,

Definition of Probable cause:

  1. Probable cause is a requirement in criminal law that must be met for police to make an arrest, conduct a search, seize property, or obtain a warrant. The probable cause requirement stems from the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which provides for the right of citizens to be free from unreasonable government intrusion into their persons, homes and businesses.

  2. Circumstances and facts which give rise to a reasonable belief that an accused is guilty of a crime. Probable cause is not a proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, but indicates only that enough grounds exist to arrest the accused and put him or her to trial.

  3. Probable cause is important in two aspects of criminal law. First, police must have probable cause before they search a person or property, and before they arrest a person. Second, the court must find that there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the crime before he or she is prosecuted.

How to use Probable cause in a sentence?

  1. The police had probable cause that the man was involved in selling drugs and so were able to get a search warrant.
  2. Although the police did not have a warrant to enter the building, a witness saying she heard screams inside the building gave the police officers probable cause to break in.
  3. If you are driving a car and are pulled over by the police, they must have probable cause to search your vehicle.

Meaning of Probable cause & Probable cause Definition

Probable Cause,

Probable Cause:

  • Police need evidence to search or seize a person or property and issue a search or arrest warrant

Literal Meanings of Probable Cause

Probable:

Meanings of Probable:
  1. Someone who is likely to do something in return, especially someone who is selected for a team

  2. It may or may not happen.

Sentences of Probable
  1. Merson and Wright probably

  2. The economic situation is expected to worsen.

Synonyms of Probable

foreseeable, possible, potential, to be expected, likely, ten to one, odds-on, quite possible, credible, anticipated, most likely, expected, predictable, presumed, feasible

Cause:

Meanings of Cause:
  1. (Something, especially something bad) happened.

  2. The person or thing that gives rise to an action, trend or situation.

  3. Principles, goals or movements that we fully support or are ready to defend.

  4. The case is to be decided in court.

Sentences of Cause
  1. The cause of the accident is not clear

  2. He dedicated his life to the cause of the deaf

  3. Forty-five reasons were added to the March meeting list.

Synonyms of Cause

create, whip up, kindle, agency, root, induce, result in, trigger, promote, bring on, stir up, lead to, give rise to, occasion, belief, germ, make happen, starting point, inspire, be the cause of

Probable Cause,

What is Probable Cause?

  • The police may search or seize the necessary personal or material evidence and issue a search or arrest warrant.

Literal Meanings of Probable Cause

Probable:

Meanings of Probable:
  1. Maybe or will not

  2. Someone who can be or can do something, especially someone who can be selected for the team.

Synonyms of Probable

on the cards, a good/fair/reasonable bet

Cause:

Meanings of Cause:
  1. Anything or thing that leads to an action, trend or condition.

  2. A principle, goal or movement that is attached to us and to which we cling or are ready to defend.

  3. Decide in court

  4. Why an acronym?

Sentences of Cause
  1. She devotes her entire adult life to deaf causes.

  2. Forty-five reasons for the March meeting are listed.

Synonyms of Cause

seed, spark off, radix, fons et origo, produce, effect, wellspring, author, agent, undertaking, interest, fount, ideal, creator, originate, enterprise, precipitate, fountainhead, tenet, seat, objective, touch off, origin, object, prompt, aim