Probable Cause in Criminal Justice
Grade 12th Grade · Social Studies · 45 min
What's Included
Learning Objective
I can define probable cause and explain its role in the criminal justice system.
Warm-Up Video
CrashCourse · 7:38
Search and Seizure: Crash Course Government and Politics #27
Guided Notes
3 key concepts
- 1
The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures, but this protection is not absolute.
- 2
A search warrant, which must be based on probable cause and describe the place to be searched and the items to be seized, is typically required for a legal search, but there are many exceptions to this rule, especially concerning automobiles.
- 3
The exclusionary rule, established in Mapp v. Ohio, prevents illegally obtained evidence from being used in a trial; for example, if police search a home without a valid warrant and find illegal drugs, that evidence cannot be used against the defendant.
Practice Questions
9 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer
Exit Ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Define probable cause in your own words and explain how it is used to obtain a search warrant.”
Teacher Guide
Get the complete package:
- Answer keys for all questions
- Differentiation strategies
- Extension activities
- Printable student handouts
