What is a warrant?

A warrant is a legal document that authorizes law enforcement officers to carry out specific actions, such as conducting a search of a person’s property or making an arrest. This document must be issued by a judge or magistrate, indicating that there is probable cause to believe that the search or arrest is justified. Warrants are essential in the criminal justice system, as they help protect individuals’ rights against unreasonable searches and seizures, ensuring that law enforcement actions are grounded in legal procedures.

In this context, a warrant serves to balance the need for police to perform their duties with the rights of citizens to privacy and due process. It is a crucial component of lawful investigative and enforcement practices, distinguishing legal searches and arrests from those which may violate constitutional protections.