Also known as:reasonable basis for belief · reasonable grounds to believe · reasonable belief standard
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A standard requiring that an actor's belief or grounds for action be objectively reasonable under the circumstances. The standard is satisfied when the facts known to the actor would lead a reasonable person in the same position to hold the same belief.
Sources & Authorities
How it applies
Common Examples
2
Seller's Right to Additional Cure Time
Raven Logistics delivered smart locks configured for the wrong wireless protocol to Redwood Bank on May 15. Raven had substituted slightly different models on prior projects with Redwood and immediately offered a price allowance plus five extra days to replace the locks. Because Raven had a reasonable basis to believe the initial tender would be acceptable with an allowance, it received additional time to substitute conforming goods after seasonable notice.
School Official's Student Search
Principal Ronald Reed received reports that student Riley Rivera had brought a prohibited item onto campus. Reed searched Riley's backpack after determining the search had a moderate chance of locating the item and was not excessively intrusive given Riley's age and the nature of the suspected violation. The search was upheld because Reed had a reasonable basis to believe a school rule had been broken.
Put it into practice
Test Yourself
10
Practice Questions5
· 17 primary sources
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Cases
Statutes
Uniform Acts
Restatements
Study Supplements
Common questions
Frequently Asked
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How does the reasonable basis to believe standard differ from probable cause?+
The reasonable basis to believe standard requires only that the facts known to the actor would lead a reasonable person to hold the belief. It is a lower threshold than probable cause and applies in contexts such as seller cure rights under the UCC and school searches.
Supporting sources
In a UCC cure dispute, what facts support a seller's reasonable basis to believe a nonconforming tender would be acceptable?+
A seller's prior course of dealing in which the buyer accepted similar substitutions, combined with an immediate offer of a money allowance, can establish the required reasonable basis. The seller must still provide seasonable notice to obtain additional cure time.
Supporting sources
Does a school official need probable cause before searching a student?+
No. A school official may search a student when the official has reasonable grounds to believe a school rule or law has been violated. The search must also be reasonable in scope and not excessively intrusive given the student's age and the nature of the infraction.