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Examples of probable cause in a Sentence
The lawyer argued that there was a lack of probable cause for a search warrant.
The police had probable cause to arrest him.
Recent Examples on the Web
Duncan made a traffic stop on I-49 after seeing a speeding vehicle, according to a probable cause affidavit.
—Tracy Neal, arkansasonline.com, 18 Sep. 2024
Castillo’s sister told officers that Castillo had previously beaten the mother of his child with a hammer in her home, cracking her head open and breaking her arm, per the probable cause statement.
—Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 16 Sep. 2024
As for the investigation into the online school shooting threat, Mangum said there wasn't probable cause for an arrest or to charge the teen with making a terroristic threat.
—Faith Abubey, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2024
During the stream, security officials from Venezuela’s General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence forced entry into Oropeza’s home without probable cause or a warrant.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 4 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for probable cause
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'probable cause.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1676, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of probable cause was
circa 1676
Articles Related to probable cause
Dictionary Entries Near probable cause
Cite this Entry
“Probable cause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probable%20cause. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.
Legal Definition
probable cause
see cause sense 2
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