In Texas, a legal standard dictates when law enforcement officers have adequate justification to make an arrest, conduct a search, or obtain a warrant. This standard requires a reasonable belief, based on specific and articulable facts, that a crime has been committed or that evidence related to a crime is located in a particular place. It demands more than mere suspicion but less than absolute certainty. As an example, if a police officer observes an individual openly carrying narcotics in public, that observation could establish the necessary predicate to take action.
This concept serves as a crucial safeguard against unwarranted governmental intrusion, protecting individuals’ constitutional rights under both the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Texas Constitution. It ensures that law enforcement actions are grounded in factual evidence, preventing arbitrary or discriminatory practices. Historically, the establishment of this standard reflects a balance between the need for effective law enforcement and the protection of individual liberties.
