Legal Definitions - warrant

Definition: A warrant is a legal document that allows someone to take a specific action. Usually, it is a document issued by a judge that gives law enforcement officers permission to do something, like make an arrest, search a place, or seize property.

• A search warrant allows the police to search a suspect's home for evidence of a crime.
• An arrest warrant allows the police to arrest a person suspected of committing a crime.
• A bench warrant is issued by a judge when someone fails to appear in court, allowing the police to arrest them and bring them to court.

These examples illustrate how a warrant is a legal document that gives someone the authority to take a specific action. In each case, the warrant is issued by a judge and allows law enforcement officers to take action in accordance with the law.