What is a search warrant?

• A. A notice requiring the suspect to appear in court
• B. Consent given by a third party to search property
• C. An administrative search permit
• D. A court order allowing law enforcement officers to search a suspect's home or business and take specific items as evidence

Answer: (D)

A search warrant is a court-issued order that empowers police to search a specific place and to seize particular items connected to a crime. It rests on probable cause presented to a judge and must describe exactly where the search will take place and what items may be seized, limiting the scope to those items and locations. This judicial check protects privacy by requiring a formal review before most searches, and the warrant is typically executed within a defined timeframe. The other options describe different legal tools: a summons is a notice to appear in court, consent by a third party is voluntary permission to search, and an administrative search permit is a general authorization for inspections not tied to seizing criminal evidence.