What does probable cause refer to?

Probable cause refers to a standard used in the legal system indicating that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has been committed, or that certain evidence is connected to criminal activity. This concept is vital in law enforcement, particularly regarding arrests and search warrants.

In essence, probable cause means that a reasonable person, given the known facts, would conclude that someone probably committed a crime. This standard is essential as it helps prevent arbitrary or unjustified infringements on people's rights by requiring law enforcement to have a solid basis for action.

Other options do not align with the legal definition of probable cause. Reasonable suspicion of guilt is a lower standard and is related to the belief that a crime may be in progress, not necessarily that a crime has been committed. Breach of contract evidence and grounds for civil action pertain to civil law rather than the criminal law context where probable cause is applied.