What is a legal order issued by a judge commanding a peace officer to search for property?

A search warrant is a legal order issued by a judge that authorizes a peace officer to search for specified property in a specific location. This document is crucial in law enforcement as it ensures that searches are conducted legally and with respect for individual rights.

The issuance of a search warrant requires probable cause, meaning there must be reasonable grounds to believe that evidence related to a crime can be found in the specified location. This protects citizens from unreasonable searches, a principle enshrined in the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

In contrast, an arrest warrant is focused on authorizing the arrest of a specific individual rather than searching for property. A subpoena is used in legal proceedings to compel someone to provide testimony or produce documents but does not pertain to physical searches. A bench warrant, on the other hand, orders the arrest of a person who has failed to comply with a court order, which also does not involve the search of property. Understanding these distinctions is essential for law enforcement officers in the execution of their duties as well as for individuals' rights in the legal system.