Házkutatás

Házkutatás is a term that translates to "house search" or "house search" in English, commonly used in the context of legal proceedings, particularly in Hungary and other civil law jurisdictions. It refers to a legal procedure where law enforcement officials or other authorized individuals conduct a search of a private residence or other property to find evidence related to a crime, locate a suspect, or seize illicit items.

The primary purpose of a házkutatás is to gather information or items that are believed to be relevant to an ongoing investigation. This can include documents, electronic devices, weapons, illegal substances, or any other material that could serve as evidence in a criminal case. For the search to be lawful, it typically requires a warrant issued by a judge or a prosecutor, based on probable cause. The warrant specifies the location to be searched and the items or individuals being sought.

In certain exceptional circumstances, a házkutatás may be conducted without a warrant, such as in cases of hot pursuit or when there is an immediate threat to public safety or the destruction of evidence. However, these exceptions are generally narrowly defined and subject to strict legal scrutiny. During the search, individuals present in the property have certain rights, including the right to be informed about the reason for the search and to have a witness present. The process is documented, and any items seized are properly cataloged.