What defines probable cause?

Probable cause is defined as a standard used in the legal system that must be met before law enforcement officers can make an arrest or obtain a search warrant. This standard requires that there be sufficient reason based on known facts to believe that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime can be found in a particular location. It is more than mere suspicion; it demands a reasonable basis for believing that the facts justifying an arrest or search exist.

This is significant because it helps ensure that individuals are protected from arbitrary enforcement actions and that law enforcement has a legitimate basis for their actions. Without probable cause, actions like arrests or searches could be deemed unlawful, potentially violating the rights of individuals. The other options do not fulfill the legal standard of probable cause, as they involve either insufficient evidence, speculation, or hearsay.