##  [Probable Cause](/probable-cause) 

  ##  [Probable Cause](https://criminal.quantumdictionary.io/probable-cause-0) 

  

 [![Criminal Law Dictionary](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/Criminal%20Law.png.webp?itok=VjlKiX0o)](/topic-specific-dictionaries/law-governance/criminal-law)

- Law & Governance -

**Criminal Law Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

A factual threshold requiring a fair probability that a crime occurred or that evidence will be found in a specified place. It governs key intrusions such as arrests and searches depending on the authorization sought. It does not permit action based solely on hunches or generalized suspicion. It constrains coercive state action and supports reliability of enforcement decisions.



 

 

 

 

 





 

 



 ##  [Probable Cause](https://defense.quantumdictionary.io/probable-cause-1) 

  

 [![Defense, Security & Public Safety Dictionary](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/Defense%2C%20Security%20%26%20Public%20Safety.png.webp?itok=3-v4M7xK)](/topic-specific-dictionaries/defense-security-public-safety)



**Defense, Security & Public Safety Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

A factual and reasonable basis, judged from the totality of observable facts and their reasonable inferences, sufficient for a neutral and objective actor to conclude that a specific crime has likely been committed or that specific evidence is probably located in a particular place or on a particular person; used as the threshold to justify an arrest, search, or issuance of a warrant in jurisdicti