Question

What is the difference between probable cause and reasonable suspicion?(1 point)
Responses

Probable cause is the level of evidence schools need, but police need to have reasonable suspicion.
Probable cause is the level of evidence schools need, but police need to have reasonable suspicion.

A search warrant can only be issued with reasonable suspicion.
A search warrant can only be issued with reasonable suspicion.

Reasonable suspicion is actual knowledge that a crime has been committed, and probable cause means that a crime has probably been committed.
Reasonable suspicion is actual knowledge that a crime has been committed, and probable cause means that a crime has probably been committed.

With probable cause, there is actual knowledge that a crime has been committed; with reasonable suspicion, there is not actual knowledge.
With probable cause, there is actual knowledge that a crime has been committed; with reasonable suspicion, there is not actual knowledge.

Answer 1

Best answer among the choices: the third one ("Reasonable suspicion is actual knowledge... and probable cause means that a crime has probably been committed.") — but that choice is imperfect.

Correct distinction (concise):
- Reasonable suspicion: a lower standard — a reasonable, articulable belief that criminal activity may be occurring; is enough for brief stops or (in schools) searches.
- Probable cause: a higher standard — a fair probability that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime will be found; required for arrests and search warrants.