Report, which induces suspicion, ought to arise from good and grave men; not, indeed, from malevolent and malicious men, but from cautious and credible persons; not only once, but frequently; for clamor diminishes, and defamation manifests.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Rumor and report that would justify investigation must originate from credible, disinterested persons and must be persistent — isolated accusations from hostile witnesses do not constitute lawful grounds for suspicion.

Where this applies

• A single anonymous tip from a person with a grudge against the suspect is not enough to justify a search warrant — suspicion must arise from credible, disinterested sources.
• Multiple respected community members independently report the same concern about a business to the health department — that consistent, credible pattern justifies an investigation.
• A disgruntled ex-employee files one complaint, but no one else corroborates the claim — the court finds the lone, motivated accusation insufficient to establish reasonable suspicion.