probable cause doctrine

Probable cause is a legal standard used to justify searches, arrests, or warrants. It means that there is a reasonable belief, based on facts or evidence, that a person has committed a crime or that a location has evidence of a crime. It’s a balance between individual rights and law enforcement needs, requiring more than mere suspicion but less than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Probable cause ensures that authorities act on solid grounds, protecting citizens from arbitrary searches while allowing law enforcement to perform their duties effectively.