Who is authorized to issue a warrant of arrest?

The correct choice, which is that warrants of arrest can be issued by magistrates authorized by law, reflects the governance of arrest procedures within the legal framework. In many jurisdictions, including Texas, magistrates possess the authority to issue warrants based on probable cause that a crime has been committed. This is crucial for maintaining the balance between law enforcement duties and the protection of individual rights.

While judges in courts have the power to issue warrants, the term "magistrates" encompasses a broader range of officials, including judges who have been designated the authority to handle specific types of cases, such as issuing warrants.

Local police officers do not have the authority to issue arrest warrants; they may request them, but initial issuance must come from an authorized magistrate. Similarly, district attorneys may be involved in the process of obtaining warrants, but they do not have the authority to issue them directly. This delineation of powers ensures that checks and balances are maintained within the judicial system.