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.

Origin of probable cause

First recorded in 1670–80

British Dictionary definitions for probable cause

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