arrest warrant | Definition

Doc's CJ Glossary by Adam J. McKee
Course: Introduction / Procedural Law

An arrest warrant is a written order issued by a judge commanding any law enforcement officer within the court’s jurisdiction to take the named person into custody and bring them before the court.


An arrest warrant is a legal document that authorizes law enforcement officers to take a named individual into custody and bring them before a court. The warrant is issued by a judge or magistrate and is based on probable cause to believe that the individual has committed a crime.

The process of obtaining an arrest warrant typically begins with a police investigation into a crime. If the investigation reveals evidence that a specific individual has committed the crime, the police may request an arrest warrant from a judge or magistrate. To obtain a warrant, the police must provide the judge with evidence that establishes probable cause to believe that the individual has committed the crime.

Once the judge issues an arrest warrant, any law enforcement officer within the court’s jurisdiction can execute the warrant. This means that they have the legal authority to take the named person into custody and bring them before the court. The warrant will typically include the name of the individual to be arrested, the crime that they are suspected of committing, and any other relevant information, such as the individual’s address or physical description.

The purpose of an arrest warrant is to ensure that individuals suspected of committing a crime are brought before a court to face charges. This helps to ensure that the legal process is followed and that individuals are not subjected to arbitrary or unlawful detention. In addition, the use of arrest warrants helps to protect the rights of individuals by ensuring that law enforcement officers have a clear legal basis for taking someone into custody.

In the context of law enforcement, arrest warrants are an important tool in the fight against crime. They provide law enforcement officers with the legal authority to take individuals into custody and bring them before the court. This can help to ensure that individuals who have committed crimes are held accountable for their actions and can help to deter others from engaging in criminal behavior.

In the corrections context, arrest warrants may be used to initiate the transfer of an inmate from one facility to another. For example, if an inmate is wanted in another jurisdiction for a crime that was committed before they were incarcerated, an arrest warrant may be issued to ensure that the individual is brought before the court to face charges.


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Last Modified: 04/13/2023

 

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