What must be proven to establish "reasonable grounds" for a search?

To establish "reasonable grounds" for a search, it is essential to demonstrate a belief based on observable facts that are directly related to a crime. This criterion reflects the legal standard that authorities must meet to conduct a search and ensures that there is a concrete basis for suspicion, rather than a vague or unsubstantiated feeling. Reasonable grounds require factual evidence that can justify the search, such as specific actions, behaviors, or circumstances observed by law enforcement officers.

This standard is significant in protecting individuals from arbitrary intrusions into their privacy by law enforcement. It ensures that searches are not conducted solely based on instinct or conjecture, but rather on a foundation of reliable observations that the police can articulate. While tips from informants or hearsay might contribute to this belief, they need to be corroborated by observable facts to constitute reasonable grounds for a search.

The other options do not meet the necessary criteria. A mere hunch does not fulfill the legal standard required for a search, nor does an assumption of guilt without supporting evidence. While a report from a confidential informant could potentially contribute to establishing reasonable grounds, it is the observable facts that tether the justification for the search to the legal standards required in criminal procedure.