Legal Terms, Explained

Common legal words in clear, everyday language.

Due Process

The constitutional guarantee that the government must follow fair procedures and respect your legal rights before depriving you of life, liberty, or property. It comes from the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. (see: Police Encounters)

Probable Cause

A reasonable basis, supported by facts, to believe that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime is in a particular place. It's the standard police generally need to make an arrest or get a search warrant. (see: Police Encounters)

Warrant

A written order signed by a judge that authorizes police to take a specific action, such as searching a place or arresting a person. A search warrant must be based on probable cause and describe what may be searched and seized. (see: Police Encounters)