warrant

A warrant is a written legal order issued by a competent authority that authorizes a designated official to perform a specific action, such as a search, seizure, or arrest. Warrant powers are intended to balance government interests with individual rights, ensuring that state action is grounded in lawful justification and evidence.

In criminal law, common types include search warrants and arrest warrants. A search warrant authorizes law enforcement to search a particular place for items described in the warrant, while an arrest warrant directs authorities to apprehend a named person believed to have committed a crime. Warrants are usually issued by judges or magistrates and must be supported by probable cause, with the warrant detailing the scope, location, persons to be searched or seized, and a time limit. Many systems require warrants to be executed in a manner that minimizes harm and preserves rights, with rules such as “knock and announce” in many jurisdictions, though there are express exceptions for exigent circumstances.

Warrants are typically supported by sworn affidavits, subject to review, and often accompanied by a requirement to return the warrant after its execution, along with an inventory of seized items or a report of arrests. Violations of warrant requirements can lead to suppression of evidence or other legal remedies.

In a different context, the term warrants also appears in finance. A financial warrant is a security that gives the holder the right to buy a specified amount of a company’s stock at a fixed price before a stated expiration date. Warrants in finance are often issued with other securities and can be dilutive to existing shareholders.

Overall, warrants function as formal instruments that authorize official action or a financial right, contingent on specific terms and oversight.