Which term refers to the standard of proof that is required for issuing warrants and making arrests, beyond mere suspicion?

• A. Probable Cause
• B. Reasonable Suspicion
• C. Actual Cause
• D. Credible Indication

Answer: (A)

Probable cause is the standard of proof required for issuing warrants and making arrests. It means there must be enough facts and circumstances to lead a reasonable person to believe that a crime has been committed and that the person or place is connected to that crime, though it stops short of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This level is higher than mere suspicion but lower than the certainty needed for a conviction.

Reasonable suspicion is a much lower threshold used to justify brief investigative stops (not full arrests or searches with warrants). The other terms don’t fit the constitutional standard used for warrants and arrests: actual cause relates to causation in liability cases, and credible indication is not the recognized standard governing police authority.