What is meant by 'probable cause'?

Probable cause refers to a standard of evidence that law enforcement must meet before making an arrest or conducting a search. It means that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has been committed or that certain evidence of a crime can be found in the location to be searched. This concept is rooted in the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures.

In practice, probable cause is more than just a mere suspicion; it requires a factual basis grounded in observable facts or circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a crime is likely happening or has occurred. This standard is essential to balancing individuals' rights with society's need for law enforcement, ensuring that searches and arrests are based on sound evidence rather than arbitrary decisions. This criterion is what distinguishes probable cause from other standards of belief or suspicion that may not be adequate for legal action.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the legal definition of probable cause, as they either misconstrue the nature of the evidence required for law enforcement actions or refer to a level of belief that does not align with the established legal framework.