Search warrants are not to be issued unless the standard of what is met?

• A. Probable cause
• B. Reasonable suspicion
• C. Articulable suspicion
• D. Reasonable doubt

Answer: (A)

Probable cause is the level of justification required to issue a search warrant. It means a reasonable belief, based on facts and circumstances known to the officer, that a crime has been committed and that evidence or contraband will be found in the place to be searched. This standard sits between a mere hunch and absolute certainty and is evaluated by a judge who considers an oath or affirmation and the description of the place to be searched and items to be seized. Lower standards like reasonable suspicion or articulable suspicion justify stops or brief detentions, not full searches or warrants. Reasonable doubt is the standard used by juries to decide guilt, not for issuing warrants. So, search warrants require probable cause.