---
title: "Probable Cause"
type: Legal Term
source: https://casebriefly.com/legal-terms/probable-cause
---

# Probable Cause

Probable cause is the Fourth Amendment standard required for an arrest or the issuance of a search warrant. It exists when the facts and circumstances within an officer's knowledge are sufficient to warrant a person of reasonable caution in the belief that a crime has been, is being, or is about to be committed (for arrest), or that evidence of a crime will be found in the place to be searched (for a warrant). Probable cause is a practical, non-technical standard — more than reasonable suspicion but less than proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

## Related Terms

- reasonable-suspicion
- exclusionary-rule
- miranda-rights

## Related Cases

- illinois-v-gates
- terry-v-ohio
- atwater-v-lago-vista
- whren-v-united-states

## Example

An officer smells marijuana emanating from a vehicle during a traffic stop. This provides probable cause to search the vehicle under the automobile exception.

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Source: [Probable Cause — CaseBriefly](https://casebriefly.com/legal-terms/probable-cause)