Probable cause is defined as evidence that causes a judge to believe someone committed a crime.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. The standard for probable cause is evidence that makes a judge believe a crime occurred.
• D. Only if sworn by a witness

Answer: (C)

Probable cause requires a reasonable belief, based on facts and circumstances, that a crime has been or is being committed and that the person involved is connected to it. The statement that probable cause is evidence that makes a judge believe a crime occurred matches that standard: the judge must be persuaded by concrete information, not just a guess, that a crime has taken place. In practice, this belief can come from various sources—police observations, physical evidence, or reliable reports—and it does not rely on a single sworn witness. Probable cause sits between mere suspicion and proof beyond a reasonable doubt, providing a practical threshold for arrests and warrants.