probable cause

Charges vs Evidence (Why “Everybody Knows” Doesn’t Matter)

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People talk like charges are proof. “They charged him, so he did it.”“Everybody knows she’s guilty.”“They wouldn’t arrest you if they didn’t have evidence.” Case Filse says: slow down. Charges are a move in the process.Evidence is what survives the rules and holds up in court. 1) A charge is an accusation with paperwork That’s … Read more

Probable Cause: The Line Between a Hunch and a Lawful Arrest

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Cop Rules: A plain-English look at how the justice system works in real life—beyond the headlines. Probable cause isn’t “proof.” It’s the legal threshold that allows government intrusion—so the definition matters. TV has trained people to think policing works like a courtroom. A detective glares at a suspect, delivers a dramatic line, and suddenly the … Read more