What term exists when a reasonable person would believe a specific individual has committed a crime?

• A. Hunch
• B. Probable cause
• C. Reasonable suspicion
• D. Intent

Answer: (B)

Probable cause is the threshold used when a reasonable person would believe that a specific individual has committed a crime. It means there are facts and circumstances known to the officer that would lead a reasonable person to think it’s more likely than not that the person is involved. This standard justifies arrest or obtaining a warrant for a search or seizure. It’s stronger than a mere hunch and weaker than the proof required to convict in court. Hunches aren’t a legal standard, and intent is about the person’s mental purpose to commit a crime, not whether the crime actually occurred.