What is the legal term for a court order authorizing law enforcement to arrest a person?

A warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement to arrest an individual. It provides law enforcement with the necessary authority to take a person into custody based on the belief that the individual has committed a crime. This process typically involves law enforcement presenting evidence of probable cause to the court.

In addition to arrests, warrants can also authorize searches of premises and the seizure of evidence. The necessity of a warrant serves as a protection against unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This safeguard ensures that law enforcement actions are subject to judicial oversight.

Other terms in this context have different legal meanings. A subpoena, for example, is a document that orders a person to appear in court or produce evidence. A summons is generally used to notify an individual that they are being sued or to compel them to respond to a legal action. An indictment, on the other hand, is a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, typically issued by a grand jury. Each of these terms serves a specific function within the legal system, distinguishing them clearly from the concept of a warrant.