What term describes the court order that authorizes the arrest of a person?

• A. Arrest warrant
• B. Search warrant
• C. Writ of mandamus
• D. Summons

Answer: (A)

An arrest warrant is the court order that authorizes law enforcement to take a person into custody. Issued by a judge or magistrate after a showing of probable cause, the warrant names the person and directs officers to arrest them and bring them before the court. This differs from a search warrant, which authorizes searching a specific place for evidence; a summons, which simply requires a person to appear in court without arresting them; and a writ of mandamus, which commands a public official to perform a duty. In some situations, arrests can occur without a warrant (such as hot pursuit or imminent danger), but when the goal is a formal, court-directed seizure of a person, the instrument is an arrest warrant.