probable cause

Definition of "probable cause"
  1. The degree of evidence police need to justify a warrantless arrest or search, showing it's more likely than not that a crime occurred and the suspect committed it
How to use "probable cause" in a sentence
  1. The officer decided to make an arrest based on the probable cause presented by the situation.
  2. In the absence of a search warrant, there must be probable cause to justify searching someone's premises.
  3. Without probable cause, the police officer could not legally make an arrest without a warrant.

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