Benavides v State (1980) contributed to which aspect of criminal procedure?

The case of Benavides v. State (1980) is significant because it helped to clarify and establish legal standards related to probable cause in criminal proceedings. This case underscored the importance of having sufficient facts and circumstances to support the belief that a crime had been committed and that the individual in question was involved. The ruling emphasized that probable cause must be based on specific, articulable facts rather than merely a hunch or unparticular assertions.

This case demonstrated how courts evaluate whether law enforcement officers had a reasonable basis for initiating arrests or conducting searches. The decision reinforced the need for objective standards in determining probable cause, which is a fundamental aspect of protecting individuals' rights within the criminal justice system.

While the other options touch on important aspects of criminal procedure, such as witness testimony or coerced confessions, Benavides specifically impacts the standards by which probable cause is determined and assessed, making it a pivotal case in that area of law.