probable cause

probable cause

n.

Reasonable grounds for belief that an accused person may be subject to arrest or the issuance of a warrant.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

probable cause - (law) evidence sufficient to warrant an arrest or search and seizure; "a magistrate determined that there was probable cause to search the house" evidence, grounds - your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief; "the evidence that smoking causes lung cancer is very compelling" law, jurisprudence - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order"