Which case provides the definition of probable cause for a search or arrest?

• A. Brinegar v. United States
• B. Graham v. Connor
• C. McAnnis v. State
• D. Carroll v. State

Answer: (A)

Probable cause means reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has been or is being committed and that evidence or contraband will be found in the place to be searched. In Brinegar v. United States, the Supreme Court defined this standard for searches and arrests, emphasizing a practical, common-sense assessment of the totality of the circumstances known to the officer at the time. It explains that certainty isn’t required; a fair probability supported by articulable facts is enough to justify a warrantless search or seizure. This makes Brinegar the best answer because it directly provides the definition used to determine when police actions like searches or arrests are lawful. The other cases deal with different Fourth Amendment issues—use of force in Graham v. Connor, or other search doctrines in the remaining options—so they don’t provide the formal definition of probable cause itself.