What is Warrant (law)?
[[File:Eo-scale2.png|thumb|right|200px]] A '''warrant''' is a [[writ]] that permits someone to take a specific [[legal]] action.<ref name=warantLII>{{cite web |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/warrant |title=Warrant |publisher=Legal Information Institute, Cornell University Law School |access-date=12 February 2016}}</ref> Most often the writ is from a [[judge]]. It is used by [[law enforcement]] to take actions such as searching for [[evidence]], making an [[arrest]] or seizing [[property]].<ref name=warantLII/> == Search warrant == In the [[United States]], in order for [[police]] and other law enforcement personnel to search for [[evidence]], they need a warrant.<ref name=swNOLO>{{cite web |url=http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/search-warrant-basics-29742.html |title=Search Warrants: What They Are and When They're Necessary |publisher=NOLO |access-date=12 February 2016}}</ref> They must also have [[probable cause]] (a good reason to believe they will find evidence of a [[crime]]).<ref name=swNOLO/> A search warrant must be signed by a judge or [[magistrate]].<ref name=swNOLO/> The officer must provide a sworn statement of fact called an [[affidavit]].<ref name=swNOLO/> If the judge or magistrate believes the affidavit establishes probable cause, he or she approves the warrant. A warrant is usually for a specific period of time and spells out exactly what the officers may search for and seize. == Arrest warrant == === United States === In many cases an [[arrest warrant]] is not needed. If a police officer personally sees someone committing a crime, the officer may arrest that individual without a warrant. An officer may also arrest someone if they have probable cause to believe the person had committed or were about to commit a crime. For example, a police officer is notified a bank has just been robbed and is given a description of the [[suspect]]. The single robber left in a dark blue [[Ford Mustang]]. The officer stops a dark blue Ford Mustang with bags of money on the back seat (in plain sight) and