Which of the following is NOT a component of establishing probable cause?

To establish probable cause, law enforcement must rely on facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime is present. The components typically include tangible, verifiable elements that strengthen the basis for an arrest or search warrant.

In this context, physical evidence from a scene, witness statements, and expert testimony all contribute to the formation of a sound basis for probable cause. Each type of evidence provides verifiable support for the assertion that a crime may have occurred or that incriminating evidence exists.

Judgments made without evidence, on the other hand, do not contribute to the establishment of probable cause. Probable cause requires a foundation built upon observable facts and information rather than subjective conclusions or speculative reasoning lacking a factual basis. Thus, relying solely on personal judgments or conjecture would undermine the legal standard needed to justify actions like obtaining a warrant or making an arrest.