What is a warrant of arrest?

A warrant of arrest is a written order issued by a judge or magistrate that commands law enforcement to take a specific individual into custody. This order is typically based on probable cause that the individual has committed a crime. The warrant must meet certain legal standards and contain specific information, such as the identity of the person to be arrested and the offense they are accused of.

This process ensures that an individual’s rights are protected by requiring judicial oversight before an arrest can be made. It also helps to balance the powers of law enforcement with the rights of citizens, as an arrest without a warrant may be challenged in court as unlawful unless certain exceptions apply, such as exigent circumstances or a clear case of ongoing criminal activity.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different legal terms or processes that do not specifically involve the direct authorization for law enforcement to arrest someone, which solidifies why understanding the definition and function of an arrest warrant is crucial in the context of law enforcement practices.