What is "probable cause" typically associated with?

Probable cause is a crucial legal standard that refers to the reasonable belief that a person has committed a crime or that evidence of a crime can be found in a particular location. This concept is primarily associated with two key actions: making arrests and securing search warrants.

When law enforcement officers have probable cause, they are empowered to arrest a suspect without a warrant in certain circumstances, but they must still justify that belief to a judge to obtain a warrant for searches. This ensures that individuals' rights are protected by requiring a demonstration of reasonable grounds for both arrests and searches. The necessity of probable cause serves to balance law enforcement duties with the protection of individual freedoms, making it essential to the functioning of a fair justice system.

In summary, the association of probable cause with making arrests and securing search warrants encapsulates its role in maintaining lawful procedures in law enforcement while safeguarding civil liberties.