Probable cause is a legal standard used in the criminal justice system to determine whether law enforcement has enough evidence to make an arrest or conduct a search. It means that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime can be found in a specific location. This standard helps protect individuals' rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. In practice, probable cause is based on the facts and circumstances known to the officer at the time. For example, if a police officer observes suspicious behavior or receives credible information about a crime, they may establish probable cause to take further action. This concept is essential for maintaining a balance between public safety and individual freedoms.