An arrest warrant is defined as which of the following?

An arrest warrant is defined as which of the following?

• A. A court order commanding the named defendant to appear in court to answer for a criminal charge
• B. An order signed by a magistrate or judge identifying the defendant and commanding the arrest
• C. A notice to appear in court by mail
• D. A warrant to seize property only

Answer: (B)

An arrest warrant is a court order that allows law enforcement to take a named individual into custody. It must be issued by a magistrate or judge, identify the person to be arrested, and command their arrest. This is why the description of an order signed by a magistrate or judge identifying the defendant and commanding the arrest is the best fit. A court order commanding the person to appear is a summons, not an arrest warrant; a notice to appear by mail is likewise a summons; and a warrant to seize property is a search/seizure warrant, not an arrest warrant.

An arrest warrant is a court order that allows law enforcement to take a named individual into custody. It must be issued by a magistrate or judge, identify the person to be arrested, and command their arrest. This is why the description of an order signed by a magistrate or judge identifying the defendant and commanding the arrest is the best fit. A court order commanding the person to appear is a summons, not an arrest warrant; a notice to appear by mail is likewise a summons; and a warrant to seize property is a search/seizure warrant, not an arrest warrant.