ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

The term "probable cause" refers to reasonable grounds for believing that a crime has been committed. In legal contexts, this means that law enforcement officials must have sufficient facts or circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a crime occurred or that specific evidence connected to a crime exists. It is a crucial standard used in the legal system, especially in the contexts of obtaining search warrants or making arrests, ensuring that actions are justified and not based on mere speculation or hunches.

This concept is essential in protecting individuals from arbitrary governmental actions, ensuring that there is a solid basis of facts before intrusive measures, such as searches or arrests, can be undertaken. The definition underscores the necessity for objective evidence or reliable information that can support the belief that a crime has transpired, differentiating it from mere suspicion or conjecture.