Answer :
Final answer:
A summons may be issued in lieu of an arrest warrant based on the standard of probable cause, which involves a reasonable belief that a crime has occurred or is imminent.
Explanation:
The standard that governs whether a summons may be issued in lieu of an arrest warrant is probable cause. This legal standard is the reasonable belief that a crime has been committed or is about to be committed. It's utilized by law enforcement officials when making arrests and by judges when issuing arrest warrants. On the other hand, reasonable suspicion is a lower standard that allows police to stop and frisk individuals. The preponderance of the evidence is a standard used in civil cases, whereas beyond a reasonable doubt is the highest standard of proof required in criminal cases. In law enforcement, when the accused is not in custody, a sworn affidavit by law enforcement is typically used to argue to a judge that an arrest warrant, based on probable cause, should be issued.
