SEARCH WARRANT Meaning and
Definition
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A search warrant is a legal document that authorizes law enforcement officials to conduct a search of a specific location, premises, or person, in order to search for and seize certain types of evidence or property. It is typically issued by a judge or magistrate based on probable cause, which means there is a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime will be found in the specified location or with the identified individual.
The search warrant serves as a safeguard against arbitrary searches and seizures by law enforcement, as it sets clear boundaries on the permissible areas and items to be searched. To obtain a search warrant, law enforcement officials typically have to submit an affidavit or written application to the court, outlining the probable cause and providing specific details about the evidence or property they are seeking to find. The judge then evaluates the application to determine if there is sufficient evidence to grant the warrant.
Once a search warrant is issued, it empowers law enforcement officials to enter the specified location and search for the identified evidence or property. They are allowed to seize any items that are within the scope of the search warrant and that are deemed to be illegally possessed or connected to the crime under investigation. Failure to comply with a search warrant can result in serious legal consequences.
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A written authority granted by a justice of the peace to search certain places for stolen goods, &c.; to search out, to find by seeking; to seek till found; right of search, in international law, the right of a belligerent in time of war to detain every vessel, except ships of war, which he meets with on the high seas, to examine and search for enemy's property, or for articles contraband of war.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SEARCH WARRANT
- aearch warrant
- zearch warrant
- xearch warrant
- dearch warrant
- eearch warrant
- wearch warrant
- swarch warrant
- ssarch warrant
- sdarch warrant
- srarch warrant
- s4arch warrant
- s3arch warrant
- sezrch warrant
- sesrch warrant
- sewrch warrant
- seqrch warrant
- seaech warrant
- seadch warrant
- seafch warrant
Etymology of SEARCH WARRANT
The word "search warrant" comes from the Middle English "warrant", which means an authorization or command, and the Old French "cercher", meaning "to search". The term was first documented in the 15th century, combining these Old French and Middle English origins.
